The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration is reminding miners to stay clear of the line of electrical fires after three miners were electrocuted in a 10-day period. The agency said that, on January 27, two truck drivers were electrocuted after an overhead power line came in contact with their trucks. They exited their cabs only to come in contact…
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MSHA reports on December 2022 fatality
MSHA reported that on Dec. 16, 2022, a contract mechanic at Signal Peak Silica of Atascosa in Poteet, Texas, died while removing the counterweight of an excavator, when it fell and struck him. This was the 29th fatality reported in 2022, and the 10th classified as “Machinery.” MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident: Block machinery components against motion…
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 MoreMSHA Reports 25th, 26th fatalities of 2022
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released alerts for the 25th and 26th fatalities of 2022. The agency said that on October 17 a miner at Holcim’s Ada quarry and plant in Pontotoc County, Okla., died when he fell approximately 90 ft. from the walkway outside the plant’s mill building. This was the 25th fatality reported in 2022,…
Read MoreMSHA releases winter safety checklist
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is urging miners and operators to remain alert during the winter months as temperatures drop and safety hazards rise. The agency is stressing best practices for all, including surface operations where clearing ice and snow from roads and walkways are at the top of the list, along with applying salt or sand…
Read MoreLessons learned after a mine accident
A few weeks back, one of my clients had an accident at its crusher. From a legal perspective, the details aren’t terribly important. Two guys were hurt, one very seriously. He spent a week in the hospital and faces a long road of rehab ahead. The site supervisor sustained less serious injuries, but he too spent a couple of nights…
Read MoreMSHA’s Williamson marks National Miners Day
For the 13th time, the U.S. marked National Miners Day, and U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) assistant secretary for mine safety and health Christopher Williamson marked the occasion in a statement. “Each December, our nation marks National Miners Day to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of America’s miners,” Williamson said. “Our miners and their families deserve our gratitude…
Read MoreGetting smart about mine water management
A pair of case studies at U.S. and Mexico mines offer scope to the issue as well as the elements of long-term success By Ken Albaugh As operational cost pressures continue to increase and water scarcity intensifies, efficient mine water management has never been more important. Integrating smart water management solutions reduces production downtime and operating costs while improving performance,…
Read MoreMSHA reports 23rd and 24th fatalities
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has reported that on October 7, a mechanic at a construction sand and gravel operation in Providence, R.I., was fatally injured when he was engulfed in material after he entered an air separator to clear a blockage. This is the 24th fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Confined Space.” MSHA…
Read MoreMSHA reports 22nd fatality of 2022
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on Sept. 28, a miner at Teichert Inc.’s Spanish Springs plant, Washoe County, Nev., died when he was engulfed in a collapsed stockpile. The miner was working close to the toe of the stockpile to remove material off the top of a surge tunnel’s feeder to clear a blockage. This is the 22nd fatality reported…
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