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MSHA – Mine Fatality #22

Original article published by MSHA

MINE FATALITY – On September 28, 2022, a miner died when he was engulfed in a collapsed stockpile.  The miner was working close to the toe of the stockpile to remove material off the top of a surge tunnel’s feeder to clear a blockage.

Accident scene where a miner died when he was engulfed in a collapsed stockpile.
Photo property of MSHA 
Best Practices:
  • Operators should have procedures to safely clear blockages from feeders, and train miners to stay out of areas where there is a danger of falling or sliding material.
    • Equip feeders with mechanical clearing devices to prevent exposing miners to hazards of falling or sliding material.
  • Make sure miners trim stockpiles to prevent hazards.
Additional Information:

This is the 22nd fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Engulfment.”


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.

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