A 26-year old miner was fatally injured after falling from on top of a cut block of granite, says the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The victim, who was not wearing protection, was in the process of separating the block from the highway when it slid out.
This movement caused the miner to lose his balance and fall between the rock and highwall.
Best Practices:
- Install fall protection systems that allow safe movement to perform work.
- Always conduct examinations of working places in order to identify loose ground or unstable conditions before work begins and as changing ground conditions warrant.
- Ensure that the person conducting the examination has the training and experience to recognise potential hazards.
- Discuss work procedures and identify all hazards associated with working near highwalls along with the methods to protect personnel.
- Do not place yourself in a position that will expose you to hazards while performing work tasks.
