September 8, 2023 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

September 8, 2023 Fatality

PDF Version

September 8, 2023 - Fatality Alert.pdf (297.43 KB)

MINE FATALITY – On September 8, 2023, a miner died after entering a hopper to clear an obstruction. A front-end loader dumped two loads of crushed limestone into the hopper with the miner inside.

Accident scene where a miner died after entering a hopper to clear an obstruction.

Best Practices

Install barricades to prevent mobile equipment access to bins and hoppers when miners are working in them.
Establish and train miners on procedures for safely clearing bins and hoppers.
Lock-out and tag-out the supply and discharge equipment before entering bins and hoppers.
Wear a safety belt or harness equipped with a lifeline in a confined space.
Equip bins and hoppers with vibrating shakers or air cannons to prevent material blockages.

Additional Information

This is the 31st fatality reported in 2023, and the seventh classified as “Powered Haulage.”