MINE FATALITY – On January 10, 2025, a mobile bridge carrier pinned the operator against the coal rib, causing fatal injuries.
Photo property of MSHA
Best Practices
- Stay out of pinch points and “Red Zone” areas.
- Install and maintain person-in-position switches on mobile bridge carriers to require the miner to stay in the operator’s compartment while in motion.
- Stay in the operator’s compartment when operating equipment.
- Activate the emergency de-energization device or “panic bar” before exiting the operator’s compartment in the event of a hazardous situation.
- Communicate your presence and intended movements when working around mobile equipment and wait for acknowledgment before moving.
Additional Information
This is the second fatality reported in 2025, and the first 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