MSHA Mine Fatality Alert

MINE FATALITY – A miner fell into a portable load out bin on January 8, 2020, and died at the scene.

Best Practices:

Check handrails and gates. Ensure handrails and gates are substantially constructed, properly secured, and free of defects.

Install mechanical flow-enhancing devices so workers do not have to enter a bin to start or maintain material flow.

Don't stand on material stored in bins. Material stored in a bin can bridge over the hopper outlet, creating a hidden void below the material surface.

Lock-out, tag-out. Do not enter a bin until the supply and discharge equipment is locked out.

Wear a safety belt or harness secured with a lanyard to an adequate anchor point before entering a bin. Station a second person near the anchor point to make sure there's no slack in the fall protection system.

Train all miners to recognize fall hazards and properly use fall protection.

Provide safe access to all work places, and discuss and establish safe work procedures.
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