MINE FATALITY – On January 29, 2025, a miner died when a piece of rock fell from the highwall and struck the cab of the drill he was operating.
Photo property of MSHA
Best Practices
- Scale highwalls from a safe location to eliminate hazards such as loose, unconsolidated rocks and overhangs.
- Conduct highwall examinations prior to working or traveling near the highwall and more frequently as ground conditions warrant, especially after periods of rain, freezing, and thawing.
- Examine highwalls from multiple perspectives (bottom, sides, and top/crest) and look for signs of cracking and other geologic features that could lead to instability.
- Use auxiliary lighting during low light conditions to conduct highwall examinations and illuminate active work areas.
- Ensure miners work, travel, and operate equipment at safe distances from highwalls.
Additional Information
This is the third fatality reported in 2025, 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