MINE FATALITY – On July 6, 2026, a miner died when a covered hopper railcar derailed and pinned him against a structural beam of a train load out silo.
Photo: MSHA
Best Practices
- Maintain railroad track and load-out areas to ensure safe operating conditions consistent with the speed and type of haulage used.
- Control drainage where wet processes are used.
- Ensure that workplace examinations are conducted to identify and correct any hazardous conditions before miners begin work.
- Ensure miners are trained in the task being performed.
- Always provide and maintain a reliable communication system.
Additional Information
This is the 17th fatality reported in 2026, and the fifth classified as “Powered Haulage.”
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