October 5, 2026 Fatality - Fatality Alert | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

MINE FATALITY – On October 5, 2026, a miner died after a front-end loader struck him while he was crossing an equipment travelway.

When working near mobile equipment, communicate your intended movements with equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
Establish and enforce traffic-control procedures to minimize pedestrian exposure to mobile equipment, such as designated pedestrian walkways and crossing locations.
When working at night, verify that all working areas are properly illuminated and miners wear high-visibility reflective clothing.
Train miners in the safe operation of mobile equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual.
Evaluate emerging feasible technologies, including mobile equipment proximity detection, when reviewing surface mobile equipment safety program.
Develop and implement a written Surface Mobile Equipment Safety Program addressing struck-by hazards, traffic management, operator visibility, and employee training.

This is the 26th fatality reported in 2026, and the seventh classified as “Powered Haulage.”