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November 13, 2023 Fatality - Fatality Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

MINE FATALITY – On November 13, 2023, a rotating drill steel of a roof bolting machine entangled a miner, causing fatal injuries.

Accident scene where a rotating drill steel of a roof bolting machine entangled a miner, causing fatal injuries.

Best Practices

  • Always follow manufacturer recommendations when conducting maintenance on equipment, including:
    • Turn off or de-energize the machine.
    • Secure the equipment against hazardous motion.
  • Never touch or hold the drill steel, wrench, or bolt while it is rotating.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting or bulky clothing when working around any machinery with rotating parts.

Additional Information

This is the 35th fatality reported in 2023, and the 14th classified as “Machinery.”