MSHA reported that on July 17, a miner at Holcim’s Swampscott Quarry, Essex County, Mass., died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner. This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023, and the 11th classified as “Machinery.” MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid…
Read MoreTag: mine safety
June MSHA impact inspections yield 242 violations
The U.S. Department of Labor said impact inspections completed at 18 mines in 12 states in June by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) resulted in 242 violations.
Read MoreRipple effect: How vibrations testing can save millions
When looking at pit-to-port successes at mines, particularly from a cost perspective, the seemingly small changes can make the biggest impact. NAM recently talked to Dialight CEO Fariyal Khanbabi about how vibrations – or lack thereof – can impact other systems, specifically safety through proper lighting. NAM: Why is vibration such an important consideration when looking at upgrading lighting in…
Read MoreVirginia Tech researchers use autonomous technologies to make mines safer
How do you use drones and robots to make underground mining less risky for workers? Virginia Tech researcher Richard Bishop and his West Virginia University collaborators are working to answer this question. A recent two-year, $569,149 Alpha Foundation grant will allow the team to study ways to use autonomous drones to predict and prevent roof collapses underground. It’s urgent work.…
Read MoreMSHA reports ‘Powered Haulage’ fatality
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has reported that on May 2, a miner at Plant 280, Brookings, S.D., died when he was struck by a mobile radial stacker conveyor.
Read MoreThe more things change, the more they remain the same…maybe
By Willa B. Perlmutter A couple of weeks ago, I attended a conference on occupational safety and health law sponsored by the American Bar Association for lawyers from the government, labor and private employers. (Admit it. The idea of hanging out with a bunch of lawyers for five days in a hotel ballroom thrills you, doesn’t it?) The first day…
Read MoreMSHA reports 11th fatality
MSHA reported that on March 9, a truck driver died at United States Lime & Minerals Inc.’s Johnson County, Texas, location when the tractor’s rear wheels ran over him. A front-end loader struck the tractor-trailer from behind, causing the tractor to move forward. This is the 11th fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Powered Haulage.” MSHA recommends the following best practices…
Read MoreTANKING RISKS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Innovative water tanks minimize financial and safety risks. By Josh Swank Successful mining managers know multiple factors contribute to their profitability, from minimizing their trucks’ cycle times to ensuring their crew’s safety. Even support equipment, such as water trucks, can’t escape their analysis – or at least they shouldn’t. How equipment operators haul and apply water can significantly impact overall…
Read MoreMSHA issues warning about highwalls
According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), since 2012, falling rocks and materials from hazardous highwalls have resulted in nine mining fatalities and 27 serious injuries.
Read MoreDOL offers safety app for Spanish-speaking miners
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Miner Safety and Health app for iOS and Android devices is now available in Spanish. In August 2022, the Mine Safety and Health Administration launched the app’s original version. With today’s launch, Spanish-speaking miners will have access to the app’s benefits. Users will need to switch their phone settings to Spanish to…
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