October 18, 2021 - On March 12, 2021, a miner was fatally injured while attempting to insert a steel pin into a spud beam.

Best Practices

• Always assure hoisted equipment movement has stopped and the hoist operator has set the brake before working on hoisted equipment. 

• Assure the hoist operator can see miners working on hoisted equipment.

• Establish an effective communication protocol, which includes confirmation of instructions, between the hoist operator and miners working on hoisted equipment.

• Position yourself in a safe location to maintain balance and protection from any energy of cantilevering tools or objects.

• Stay in a Safe Zone when working around cables and sheave wheel systems.

• Always maintain a work area that is clean and clear of debris.

• Train equipment operators in the safe performance of their tasks and potential hazards.

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