MSHA reported that on March 28, a contractor at Alpine Silica-San Antonio, owned by Pro Frac Holding Corp., died after falling approximately 37 feet through an unsecured roof panel of the shaker screen deck building while conducting roof repairs.
This is the sixth fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as Slip or Fall of Person.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Provide and maintain safe access to all work areas.
- Always use approved fall protection systems when working at heights where a fall hazard is present. Ensure fall protection has a suitable fall arrest connection and secure anchorage system.
- Ensure miners are properly trained for the assigned task, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and recognizing fall hazards.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of the workplace and all required PPE before commencing any work activities to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
- Ensure contractors receive appropriate training prior to performing work.