MSHA Releases Report on Jan. 28 Fatality

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on Jan. 28, while driving downhill, the 56-year-old driver of a concrete mixer truck at Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc., Greenlee County, Ariz., was fatally injured after he lost control of the truck. The truck overturned and the driver was ejected from the truck. Another miner, who was in the truck, was also ejected and suffered serious injuries.

This is the sixth fatality reported in 2022, and the second classified as “Powered Haulage.”

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

  • Each shift, inspect mobile equipment before placing it into operation. Correct defects that pose a hazard to miners. Tag out mobile equipment that can’t be corrected.
  • Assure brakes can stop and hold mobile equipment with its typical load on the maximum grade it travels.
  • Always wear seat belts when operating mobile equipment. Maintain control of mobile equipment and drive at safe speeds.

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