McCraren Compliance

MSHA – Mine Fatality #14

MINE FATALITY – On August 22, 2024, a miner operating an excavator died when the highwall he was working near collapsed on the excavator.

Highwall near collapsed on the excavator.

Photo property of MSHA

Best Practices

• Use mining methods that ensure highwall stability and safe working conditions.
• Examine and, where applicable, test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed, prior to work commencing, after blasting and as ground conditions warrant during the work shift.
• Scale highwalls to eliminate hazards, e.g., steep slopes or overhangs.
• Ensure that miners work, travel, and operate mining equipment at safe distances from highwalls.
• Train miners to recognize hazardous highwall conditions.

Additional Information

This is the 14th fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”


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.

Original article published by MSHA

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