MSHA reported that on July 17, a miner at Holcim’s Swampscott Quarry, Essex County, Mass., died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner.
This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023, and the 11th classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Ensure that all miners stay clear of stored energy while performing repairs.
- A certified welder should weld any lifting eye and ensure the welding rod is suitable for the materials joined together.
- Examine lifting equipment and connection points for cracks or deformation prior to lifting.
- Use low energy ropes and straps to minimize rebound effects when objects break.