A volatile surface ended the life of a mine worker.
Authorities recently examined why a heavy vehicle overturned and killed the operator at an undisclosed site on 16 May 2023.
“A bulldozer operator died when a spoil pile slid and engulfed the bulldozer he was operating,” the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration said in a safety alert.
“At the time of the accident the bulldozer operator was repairing a ramp used to access water pumps in the pit.”
Investigators made the following recommendations:
- install two-way communication systems, high strength glass and a self-contained self rescuer for breathable air when working on material that has the potential to slide or engulf mobile equipment
- establish and follow ground control plans that are consistent with prudent engineering design for the safe control of all high walls, pits and spoil banks
- examine high walls, spoil banks and ground that slopes into working areas after every rain, freeze or thaw before work in such areas
- stay clear of potentially unstable areas and correct unsafe ground conditions in the affected area.