MSHA reported that on Aug. 25, a miner at Colt Rock and Lime LLC, Scott City, Mo., died after the haul truck he was driving went over a berm along the haul road, over a highwall and overturned into water in the pit.
This is the 19th fatality reported in 2025, and the eighth classified as “Powered Haulage.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Always operate mobile equipment at safe speeds. Consider the roadways, tracks, grades, clearances, visibility, traffic, and type of equipment being used.
- Follow the Surface Mobile Equipment safety program at your mine.
- Clearly mark hazards along roadways with signs and signals.
- Always wear a seatbelt while operating mobile equipment. Never attempt to exit or jump from an out-of-control vehicle.
- Maintain control of mobile equipment while it is descending, especially around tight turns.
- Ensure miners are adequately task trained in the safe operation of all equipment they operate.
- Perform pre-operational examinations of mobile equipment.