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May 16, 2023 Fatality - Fatality Alert

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

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MINE FATALITY – On May 16, 2023, a bulldozer operator died when a spoil pile slid and engulfed the bulldozer he was operating. At the time of the accident, the bulldozer operator was repairing a ramp used to access water pumps in the pit.

Acident scene where a bulldozer operator died when a spoil pile slid and engulfed the bulldozer he was operating.

Best Practices

  • Establish and follow ground control plans that are consistent with prudent engineering design for the safe control of all highwalls, pits, and spoil banks.  
  • Examine highwalls, spoil banks, and ground that slope into working areas after every rain, freeze, or thaw before work in such areas.
  • Stay clear of potentially unstable areas.  Correct unsafe ground conditions in the affected area.
  • Equip bulldozers with two-way communication systems, high strength glass, and an SCSR for breathable air when working on material that has the potential to slide or engulf mobile equipment.

Additional Information

This is the 19th fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Falling, Rolling, or Sliding Rock or Material of Any Kind.”