March 15, 2023 Fatality - Fatality Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

March 15, 2023 Fatality

PDF Version

March_15_2023-Fatality_Alert.pdf (345.04 KB)

MINE FATALITY – On March 15, 2023, a miner drowned when the ground sloughed causing the excavator he was operating to topple into a water-filled pit. The excavator became submerged in approximately 25 feet of water.

Accident scene where a miner drowned when the ground sloughed causing the excavator he was operating to topple into a water-filled pit. The excavator became submerged in approximately 25 feet of water.

Best Practices

Mine operators should:
•    Install berms at the edge of the working surface so machinery can operate a safe distance from the water.
•    Evaluate ground conditions and mining methods before operating equipment near water.
•    Examine work areas and equipment and correct unsafe conditions.
•    Task train equipment operators on the operation of machinery.

Additional Information

This is the 12th fatality reported in 2023, and the fifth classified as “Machinery.”