January 20, 2022 - On December 4, 2021, a miner was performing maintenance duties on a continuous mining machine (CMM) when the raised CMM tail boom lowered, resulting in fatal crushing injuries to the miner.

Best Practices

• Before performing maintenance and repair work:
  • De-energize the power source.
  • Open the visual disconnect.
  • Lock and tag the visual disconnect.
  • Securely block equipment against hazardous motion in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Provide sufficient space around equipment to perform work safely.
• Develop and implement procedures to complete tasks safely.
• Train all miners to perform their assigned tasks safely.
• Operators should implement procedures to address hazards that cause injury.