MSHA reported that on August 25, a miner at Colt Rock and Lime LLC, Scott, Mo., died after the haul truck he was driving went through a berm in the haul road, over a highwall and overturned into water in the pit.
More information will be forthcoming.
MSHA also reported that on Aug. 26, an electrician died while performing elevator testing. The elevator car descended and struck the electrician on the first-floor elevator platform.
This is the 20th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Hoisting.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- De-energize, lock out, tag out, and block machinery against hazardous motion, including unintended movement, before conducting maintenance.
- Install audible and visual alarms to warn of impending equipment movement. Ensure the alarms are functional through testing and maintenance.
- Stay clear of moving equipment during testing procedures.
- Train miners to safely perform testing procedures and ensure the procedures are followed.