Machinery

Coal Fatality – 2/12/25

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On February 12, 2025, a miner died when the ground beneath the drilling rig he was operating failed, causing it to overturn and fall off the highwall.

Best Practices

  • Examine highwalls and correct hazardous conditions before beginning work and as ground conditions warrant.
  • Be aware of changes from the freeze and thaw cycles affecting the condition of the highwall.
  • Operate mobile drills perpendicular to the edge of the highwall.
  • Monitor work activities to ensure miners follow safe work procedures.
  • Train equipment operators to identify hazardous highwall conditions.

Additional Information

This is the sixth fatality reported in 2025, and the second classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 1/30/25 sand

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On January 30, 2025, a miner died when he became entangled in a log washer.  The victim was starting the log washer when he lost his balance and fell into the log washer. 

Best Practices

  • Ensure equipment and safety devices are maintained in safe working condition.
  • Ensure miners are clear and free from hazards when starting equipment and performing tasks.
  • Always use fall protection equipment, safety belts and lines or personnel lifts when working at heights and near openings where there is a danger of falling.
  • Lock Out and Tag Out machinery against hazardous motion.
  • Maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s means to care for and service equipment.
  • Train miners in the recognition of hazards and safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the fourth fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 11/16/24

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On November 16, 2024, a miner died when he became entangled in a log washer.   The miner was last seen standing on a deck and using a water hose to wash material out of the log washer to clear a blockage. 

Best Practices

  • De-energize machinery and block moving machine parts from hazardous motion before conducting maintenance or repairs. 
  • Ensure miners are in a safe location before moving equipment and components.
  • Identify hazards associated with the task, review those hazards with all miners involved, and implement measures to protect miners.
  • Train all miners in the recognition of hazards and safe performance of tasks.

Additional Information

This is the 27th fatality reported in 2024, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”

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

Coal Fatality – 9/28/24

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On September 28, 2024, a 34 year-old miner with 14 years of mining experience was injured when the hook and strap assembly broke while attached to two longwall shields. The miner died from his injuries on October 5, 2024.

Best Practices

  • Use blocking material under the shields or a properly sized mechanical device to help them stay level and together. Inspect equipment for abnormal wear and damage.
  • Follow the roof control plan.
  • Always remain a safe distance from any chains or slings that are under tension.

Additional Information

This is the 24th fatality reported in 2024, and the third classified as “Machinery”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatality – 5/16/24

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On May 16, 2024, a miner died when the excavator he was operating traveled over a 200-foot highwall. 

Best Practices

  • Reduce fall hazard exposure by limiting the distance equipment can safely operate near the edge of highwalls. 
  • Examine benches to identify hazards related to insufficient bench width, locations of other equipment, loose material, etc.
  • Discuss highwall hazards with miners and train miners to recognize these hazards.
  • Address hazards in the mine’s Surface Mobile Equipment Safety Program.  Include safe work practices for weather conditions (fog, heavy rain, or snow) that could reduce visibility.

Additional Information

This is the seventh fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 3/1/24

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On March 1, 2024, a miner died after a metal slurry pipe struck him. The miner was removing the last bolt connecting two metal slurry pipes when the pipe broke free and swung in his direction.

Best Practices

  • Prevent miners from positioning themselves in a manner that will expose them to hazards while performing a task. 
  • Examine work areas before and during the shift for hazards. 
  • Ensure that blocking material is competent, substantial, and adequate to stabilize the load. 
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition. Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the third fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Machinery”

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

MNM Fatality – 12/14/23 UT

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On December 14, 2023, a contractor died while delivering parts to the mine when an all-terrain telehandler pulling cable, tipped over, striking him.

Best Practices

  • Do not exceed the load radius and load limits of lifting equipment.
  • Ensure miners position themselves in a safe manner while working around equipment.
  • Barricade and sign affected areas in case equipment or loads fail or tip.
  • Ensure visitors entering the mine receive site specific hazard awareness training.
  • Maintain good communication between co-workers.

Additional Information

This is the 40th fatality reported in 2023, and the 16th classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 12/14/23 OK

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MINE FATALITY – On December 14, 2023, a miner died while preparing to repair flanges on the feed box. In the process of lowering the chute into the maintenance position, the chute pinned the miner between the chute and the handrail.

Best Practices

  • Block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs and verify miners are in a safe location before moving equipment and components.
  • Examine work areas during the shift for hazards that could be created while performing the work.
  • When conducting a non-routine task, review safe procedures before starting work and ensure all safety components are in place.
  • Do not work under suspended loads.

Additional Information

This is the 39th fatality reported in 2023, and the 15th classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 11/13/23

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On November 13, 2023, a rotating drill steel of a roof bolting machine entangled a miner, causing fatal injuries.

Best Practices

  • Always follow manufacturer recommendations when conducting maintenance on equipment, including:
    • Turn off or de-energize the machine.
    • Secure the equipment against hazardous motion.
  • Never touch or hold the drill steel, wrench, or bolt while it is rotating.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting or bulky clothing when working around any machinery with rotating parts.

Additional Information

This is the 36th fatality reported in 2023, and the 14th classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 8/21/23

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On August 21, 2023 a crusher lid that was being moved into place struck a miner when the rigging broke. The miner died from his injuries on August 23, 2023.

Best Practices

  • Do not work under suspended loads.
  • Use properly rated lifting equipment and ensure that the load is well secured.
  • Attach tag lines to suspended loads to steady or guide the load.
  • Communicate lift plans to all persons working in the lift zone. Follow manufacturer’s recommended work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the 28th fatality reported in 2023, and the twelfth classified as “Machinery.”

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