June 13, 2020 Fatality - Fatality Alert | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

June 13, 2020 Fatality

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June 13, 2020 Fatality - Fatality Alert.pdf (345.19 KB)

MINE FATALITY – On June 13, 2020, a dragline was found submerged in 25 feet of water where a miner had been using it to remove material from a pond. Divers attempted to locate the dragline operator, and after two days the dragline was extricated from the pond. The victim was recovered from the engine compartment behind the operator’s cab.

scene of accident 25 feet of water where a miner had been using it to remove material from a pond. Divers attempted to locate the dragline operator, and after two days the dragline was extricated from the pond. The victim was recovered from the engine compartment behind the operator’s cab

Best Practices

Maintain control of operating mobile equipment.
Keep all exits clear in cabs, including alternate and emergency exits, and make sure the doors open freely before beginning work.
Retrofit older models of equipment with current automatic braking systems.
Ensure all controls and brakes are set to the appropriate position for the task.

Additional Information

This is the ninth fatality reported in 2020, and the second classified as “Machinery”