MINE FATALITY – On November 22, 2025, a plant operator died after he was struck and engulfed by falling material at a salt silo discharge outlet. He was attempting to clear a blockage with his head and arm inside the silo access door.
Photo property of MSHA
Best Practices
- Equip bins and hoppers with mechanical devices such as vibrating shakers or air cannons to loosen blockages or provide other effective means so miners are not exposed to caving or sliding materials.
- Ensure miners are positioned in a safe location and away from potential hazards.
- Make sure miners working under hazardous conditions can be seen, heard, and able to communicate with others.
- Examine working places to identify the potential for falling or sliding materials prior to allowing access to areas in or around bins and hoppers.
- Before blocked bins and hoppers are cleared, train miners to recognize and safely remove all potential hazards.
Additional Information
This is the 29th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Handling Material.”
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