Original article published by MSHA
MINE FATALITY – On March 15, 2023, a miner drowned when the ground sloughed causing the excavator he was operating to topple into a water-filled pit. The excavator became submerged in approximately 25 feet of water.
Best Practices
Mine operators should:
• Install berms at the edge of the working surface so machinery can operate a safe distance from the water.
• Evaluate ground conditions and mining methods before operating equipment near water.
• Examine work areas and equipment and correct unsafe conditions.
• Task train equipment operators on the operation of machinery.
Additional Information
This is the 12th fatality reported in 2023, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”
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.