June 8, 2021 - On Feb. 25, 2021, a 26-year old plant operator died after entering a cyclone discharge box.  Emergency services recovered the victim from an 18-inch wide discharge pipe that was filled with water.

Best Practices

• Wear a fall protection harness, properly tie off to a permanent support structure, and attach a lifeline when entering a bin or other confined spaces.  Have a second person monitor the lifeline to make sure there is no slack in the fall protection system.

• Use personnel lifts or ladders to safely access elevated work areas.

• Always use fall protection when there’s a potential fall hazard.

• Examine work areas and equipment.  Report defects and do not use unsafe work equipment.

• Assess risks and hazards before beginning maintenance activities.

• Train miners to safely perform their tasks and properly use their personal protective equipment.

Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.