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Miner fatally injured while working on a highwall mining machine

March 28, 2019

A 38-year-old miner received fatal injuries while he was working on the pad of a highwall mining machine (HWM), says the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

The miner was contacted in pinch point between a post and a section of the HWM that was being removed as part of the normal mining cycle.

Best Practices:

  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures for removing push beams.  Identify and control all hazards and develop methods to protect miners.
  • Determine the proper working position to avoid pinch points.  Monitor personnel to ensure safe work procedures are followed.
  • Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures and discuss these procedures during training.
  • Train miners to recognize potential hazardous conditions and understand safe job procedures before beginning work.

Source

 

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