MINE FATALITY – On June 15, 2025, a miner died after the telehandler that he had been operating overturned onto him while he was outside the equipment moving a water pump suction line.
Photo property of MSHA
Best Practices
- Ensure miners operate telehandlers perpendicular to the slope and use load stabilizing devices to prevent roll over.
- Keep telehandler forks low to the ground unless the surface is level and ground conditions can support the telehandler. Never suspend a load from the forks.
- Always lower booms on equipment when unattended and secure the equipment against movement.
- Do not exceed the load radius and load limits of lifting equipment.
- Do not work alone unless you can communicate with others or they can see you.
- Ensure miners position themselves in a safe manner while working around equipment.
- Conduct inspections of mobile equipment prior to use. If deficiencies exist, remove the equipment from service.
Additional Information
The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary information only and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the accident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.
This is the 14th fatality reported in 2025, and the third classified as “Machinery.”
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Original article published by MSHA