MINE FATALITY – On February 12, 2025, a miner died when the ground beneath the drilling rig he was operating failed, causing it to overturn and fall off the highwall.
Photo property of MSHA
Best Practices
- Examine highwalls and correct hazardous conditions before beginning work and as ground conditions warrant.
- Be aware of changes from the freeze and thaw cycles affecting the condition of the highwall.
- Operate mobile drills perpendicular to the edge of the highwall.
- Monitor work activities to ensure miners follow safe work procedures.
- Train equipment operators to identify hazardous highwall conditions.
Additional Information
This is the sixth fatality reported in 2025, and the second classified as “Machinery.”
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