Original article published by MSHA
MINE FATALITY – On January 23, 2023, a utility management miner died, and another miner was seriously injured, while removing unused waterline pipe suspended from a mine roof. The two miners were using hand tools to remove a pipe fitting when the waterline pipe suddenly came apart, striking the victim.
Photo property of MSHA
Best Practices
Operators should:
- Release stored energy and pressure from pipes (block and bleed) before breaking a pipe connection.
- Lock out, tag out, and block equipment from movement before performing maintenance or repairs.
- Train miners in the safe performance of their tasks.
Additional Information
This is the third fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Hand Tools.”
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.