MSHA Details 35th Fatality of 2021

RFR-MSHA-150

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on Dec. 6, 2021, a miner at Palm Beach Aggregates LLC, Palm Beach, Fla., was fatally injured while he was working in a pan feeder under a chute. 

While attempting to remove angle iron that blocked the chute’s gate from closing, he was engulfed by material that fell from a surge pile above the chute.  The victim died from his injuries on Dec.10, 2021.

This was the 35th fatality reported in 2021, and the second classified as “Confined Space.”

MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:

  • Do not allow miners to travel on or below material that is on or above the sides of a bin, hopper, or chute.
  • Provide mechanical devices or other effective means to protect miners from entrapment by caving material.
  • Provide and maintain a safe means of access for all working places.
  • De-energize, lock out, tag out, and block machinery or equipment against hazardous motionbefore performing repairs or maintenance.
  • Examine work areas and equipment. Correct defects, or report them to the operator.
  • Train miners to perform their assigned tasks safely.

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