MNM Fatality – 7/17/23

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On July 17, 2023, a miner died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner.

Best Practices

  • Ensure that all miners stay clear of stored energy while performing repairs. 
  • A certified welder should weld any lifting eye and ensure the welding rod is suitable for the materials joined together. 
  • Examine lifting equipment and connection points for cracks or deformation prior to lifting. 
  • Use low energy ropes and straps to minimize rebound effects when objects break. 

Additional Information

This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023, and the 11th classified as “Machinery.” It was delisted by MSHA on 5/22/24 over jurisdiction issues.

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 8/5/23

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On August 5, 2023, a piece of granite fell, striking two miners, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

Best Practices

  • Examine work areas to identify loose ground or unstable conditions before work begins and as conditions change.  Report hazards and do not work in unsafe conditions.
  • Correct unsafe conditions or barricade areas to prevent access before beginning work.
  • Consider mining methods that do not require miners to work or travel near the base of a highwall.

Additional Information

This is the 26th fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Falling, Rolling, or Sliding Rock or Material of Any Kind.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality (2) – 1/27/23

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On January 27, 2023, at approximately 6:25 a.m., CharQuaveiun Bloodsaw, a 23 year-old contract haul truck operator with 48 weeks of mining experience, and Damian Asberry, a 25 year-old contract haul truck operator with seven years of mining experience, were electrocuted. An energized high-voltage power line contacted their haul trucks, resulting in fatal electric shocks when they exited the cabs of their haul trucks. 

There was no Fatal Alert posted by MSHA for these fatalities.

Additional Information

Click here for: Preliminary Report 1 (pdf), Preliminary Report 2 (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

July Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 1/27/23 MNM (2) – Electrical
  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 7/17/23 MNM – Machinery

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

MNM Fatality – 6/22/23

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On June 22, 2023, a contract bulldozer operator died when the bulldozer he was operating backed off the edge of a highwall.  The bulldozer operator was clearing the bench in preparation for drilling and blasting and had removed the berms along the edge.

Best Practices

  • Install berms, signs, or devices to identify the edge of benches.
  • Perform workplace examinations and correct hazardous conditions before beginning work and as ground conditions warrant. 
  • Train equipment operators to identify dangerous conditions and to keep the bulldozer blade between them and the edge near drop-offs.

Additional Information

This is the 24th fatality reported in 2023, and the tenth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Silica Rule Proposed Change

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The U.S. Department of Labor on June 30 announced a proposal by its Mine Safety and Health Administration to amend current federal standards to better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica, or silica dust. The proposed rule change will ensure miners have at least the same level of protections as workers in other industries.

Click here for MSHA Silica Rulemaking page with links to proposed rule.

June Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 1/27/23 MNM (2) – Electrical
  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 6/8/23 MNM – Slip or Fall of Person
  • 6/9/23 Coal – Machinery
  • 6/22/23 MNM – Machinery

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

Coal Fatality – 6/9/23

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On June 9, 2023, a contract truck driver died when an excavator bucket struck him.  A contractor crew was using the excavator to assist in unloading a fuel tank from a lowboy trailer when the excavator bucket suddenly moved.

Best Practices

  • Do not place yourself in a position that exposes you to hazards.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s warning and engage safety lock mechanisms before getting out of the operator’s seat. 
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition before working around moving equipment.  

Additional Information

This is the 23rd fatality reported in 2023, and the eighth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 6/8/23

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On June 8, 2023, a miner died after climbing over the handrail onto a conveyor belt to gain access to a magnet belt that needed adjustment. When the miner stepped onto the magnet belt, the belt started, throwing the miner 16 feet to the ground below.

Best Practices

• De-energize, lock-out, tag-out, and block machinery against motion before performing repairs or maintenance on a belt conveyor.
• Install a system which provides visible or audible warning to warn miners that the conveyor will be started.
• Provide and maintain safe access to all workplaces and establish safe work procedures.
• Use fall protection when a fall hazard exists. Ensure fall protection has a suitable fall arrest and secure anchorage system, and that miners are properly trained.

Additional Information

This is the 22nd fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 6/1/23

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On June 1, 2023, a customer truck driver died when he was struck by a component of his truck’s air bag height/ride suspension system while performing maintenance. 

Best Practices

  • Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures when performing maintenance on suspension system components.
  • Release all stored energy from components before beginning maintenance.
  • Position yourself in a safe location while pressurizing systems.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition.  Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the 21st fatality reported in 2023, and the seventh classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).