U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government.

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Contact Us FAQ Site Map

April 22, 2021 Fatality - Fatality Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 1-866-487-9243 (1 866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

MINE FATALITY – On April 22, 2021, a miner was fatally injured when leaving the mine site in his personal pickup truck.  The manual swing barrier gate was partially closed.  A gate pole entered the truck’s windshield as the pickup truck approached, striking the victim and causing fatal injuries.

Accident scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that manual swing barrier gates can be secured when opened or closed to prevent unintentional movement.
  • Paint or tape swing barrier gates with reflective and distinguished markings to differentiate them from their surroundings.  Install additional lighting near barrier gates.
  • Conduct thorough travelway examinations to identify and mitigate hazards.
  • Establish safetraffic patterns with proper signage. 
  • Be alert to road conditions and always keep a clear line of sight.
  • Maintain proper speed for road conditions.

Additional Information

This is the ninth fatality reported in 2021, and the fifth classified as “Powered Haulage”