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August 22, 2024 Fatality - Fatality Alert

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

MINE FATALITY – On August 22, 2024, a miner operating an excavator died when the highwall he was working near collapsed on the excavator.

Highwall near collapsed on the excavator.

Best Practices

• Use mining methods that ensure highwall stability and safe working conditions.
• Examine and, where applicable, test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed, prior to work commencing, after blasting and as ground conditions warrant during the work shift.
• Scale highwalls to eliminate hazards, e.g., steep slopes or overhangs.
• Ensure that miners work, travel, and operate mining equipment at safe distances from highwalls.
• Train miners to recognize hazardous highwall conditions.

Additional Information

This is the 14th fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”