November 21, 2022 - On October 7, 2022, a mechanic was fatally injured when he was engulfed in material after he entered an air separator to clear a blockage. 

Best Practices

- Install mechanical flow-enhancing devices, such as mechanical vibratory devices, that can maintain material flow and prevent the need for miners to enter a confined space.

- Mine operators should establish procedures to clear blockages and train all miners in the procedures.

- Make sure miners wear a safety belt or harness equipped with a lifeline when entering a confined space, and that a second miner, similarly equipped, is attending the lifeline.