Accident Report: Fatality Reference
PDF Version
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY – On October 2, 2018, a 40-year old miner with 20 years of experience was fatally injured when struck by stemming sand ejected from a borehole. While conducting a blasting operation in a new vertical raise, a contract foreman was attempting to clean out a previously blasted vertical borehole with high-pressure air. A sudden release of energy forced stemming sand from the bottom of the borehole, striking the miner.
Best Practices
- Assess the suitability of blasting methods when blasts do not perform as intended.
- Use water to clean out the bottom of boreholes used for blasting.
- Never position yourself directly over or in front of the collar of a borehole when cleaning it out.
- Ensure miners are adequately task trained.
Additional Information
This is the 9th fatality reported in calendar year 2018 in metal and nonmetal mining.As of this date in 2018, there were 9 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining.This is the 1st Exploding Vessels under Pressure fatality in 2018.There were no Exploding Vessels under Pressure fatalities during the same period in 2017. MSHA has made the prevention of powered haulage accidents a priority. Please see more information at www.msha.gov/poweredhaulage