MSHA reported that on Aug. 24, a miner at MN Portable Wash 086 (A5567 Wash Plant), Mille Lacs County, Minn., died while preparing a wash plant for relocation. In the process of lowering the feed box into the travel position, the miner was pinned between the feed box and the handrail.
This is the 29th fatality reported in 2023, and the 13th classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs.
- Do not work under suspended loads.
- When conducting a non-routine task, review safe procedures before starting work and ensure all safety components are in place and working.