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December 3, 2021 Fatality - Fatality Alert

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

MINE FATALITY – On December 3, 2021, a miner was fatally injured when he became entangled in the return idler on the belt conveyor under a portable crusher plant. 

Accident scene where a miner was fatally injured when he became entangled in the return idler on the belt conveyor under a portable crusher plant.

Best Practices

  • Before performing maintenance and repair work near belt conveyors:
    • Remove power from the belt drive.
    • Securely block equipment against hazardous motion in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Guard moving machine parts to protect miners from contacting moving parts.
  • Provide and maintain a safe means of access to all working places.
  • Conduct thorough examinations of equipment. Report defects and do not work in unsafe conditions.
  • Train miners to assess risks and control hazards before beginning work on belt conveyors.

Additional Information

This is the 33rd fatality reported in 2021, and the 16th classified as “Powered Haulage.”