MSHA reported that on May 16, a worker at a surface mine died when the excavator he was operating traveled over a 200-ft. highwall.
This is the seventh fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Reduce fall hazard exposure by limiting the distance equipment can safely operate near the edge of highwalls.
- Examine benches to identify hazards related to insufficient bench width, locations of other equipment, loose material, etc.
- Discuss highwall hazards with miners and train miners to recognize these hazards.
- Address hazards in the mine’s Surface Mobile Equipment Safety Program. Include safe work practices for weather conditions (fog, heavy rain or snow) that could reduce visibility.