MSHA reported that on Aug. 7, a contractor at a Rockland, Mich., sand and gravel operation died after the front-end loader he was operating traveled over the edge of a highwall, falling approximately 70 ft.
This is the 18th fatality reported in 2025, and the seventh classified as “Powered Haulage.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Maintain control of self-propelled mobile equipment while it is in motion.
- Never attempt to enter or exit an out-of-control vehicle.
- Ensure miners are adequately task-trained in the safe operation of assigned equipment.
- Perform regular pre-operational examinations of mobile equipment.
- Monitor work activities to ensure both miners and contractors follow safe work procedures.