MSHA reported that on April 15, a miner at Riverbend Sand and Gravel, Weld, Colo., died when the tail section of a collapsible belt conveyor fell and pinned him between the tail section and middle section. The miner was working as part of a crew to tear down the conveyor in preparation to be moved.
This is the fourth fatality reported in 2024, and the third classified as “Powered Haulage.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Block all equipment against hazardous motion before beginning work.
- Stay clear of suspended loads.
- Never enter or work in pinch points or Red Zones around equipment.
- Identify hazards associated with the task, review those hazards with all miners involved, and implement measures to protect miners.
- Train all miners in the safe performance of tasks.