Accident Report: Fatality Reference
PDF Version
August 24, 2026 - Fatality Alert.pdf
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MINE FATALITY – On August 24, 2026, a miner died when rocks fell from the highwall and struck him the while he was operating a drill.
Best Practices
- Scale highwalls from a safe location to eliminate hazards such as loose, unconsolidated rocks and overhangs.
- Install benches to reduce exposure to falling rock, ensuring adequate bench width based on the type of equipment used for routine clearing or scaling operations.
- Provide falling object protection structures on mobile equipment that operates near highwalls.
- Conduct highwall examinations prior to working or traveling near the highwall and more frequently as ground conditions warrant, especially after periods of rain, freezing, and thawing.
- Examine highwalls from multiple perspectives (bottom, sides, and top/crest) and look for signs of cracking and other geologic features that could lead to instability.
Additional Information
This is the 21st fatality reported in 2026, and the second classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”