MSHA reported that on Aug. 22, a contractor at East Quarry, Tulsa, Okla., was installing a material feeder when they fell approximately 21 ft. through an opening in the walkway platform. The contractor died from his injuries on Sept. 6.
This is the 18th fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Conduct workplace examinations to identify conditions that may adversely affect the safety or health of miners.
- Provide and maintain safe access to all working places. Use personnel lifts or ladders to access elevated workplaces safely.
- Provide and ensure proper use of fall protection where there is a danger of falling. Ensure fall protection has a suitable fall arrest connection and secure anchorage system.
- Identify risks and eliminate or control hazards before beginning maintenance activities.
- Train miners to perform tasks safely and use tools and personal protective equipment properly.