Mining Incidents
Trainer view Print or save as PDF from your browser (⌘P / Ctrl+P).
← Standard view
Case study · MSHA Record #220245550002

Rotary Bucket Excavator Operator fatality

August 22, 2024 at 7:59 AM
Onyx Sterling Pit · Onyx Corporation · Worcester County, MA
Investigator narrative
A miner died when a highwall collapsed on the excavator the miner was operating.
Record details
Classification
FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Accident type
Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings
Activity at time
Power Shovel, Dragline
Subunit / location
STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT
Underground location
NO VALUE FOUND
Mining method
NO VALUE FOUND
Source of injury
CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE
Nature of injury
UNCLASSIFIED,NOT DETERMED
Body part affected
MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)
Total mining experience
3 years
Experience at this mine
1 year
Experience in this job
15 years
Mine type
Surface
Sector
Metal/Non-Metal
Similar incidents in MSHA records · same classification: FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
  • February 28, 2025 · Marfork Coal Company, LLC · WV · Bull Gang Foreman

    EE had been jack hammering to set a water trap for seals and traded off with coworker to take a break went over to rib sat down when rib roll 68"L x 24" W x 8" T came off at spad #3002/7483 on EE striking EE in the chest and abdomen area.

  • January 29, 2025 · Lexington Coal Company, LLC · WV · Drill Operator

    The employee was drilling a test hole in the surface pit floor to see if the rider coal seam was under the seam they were taking. Due to the freezing and thawing of the highwall a large chunk of rock approximately 4'x2'x3' came down striking the enclosed cab of the mobile drill, ripping the cab off and striking the…

  • November 13, 2023 · KaMin LLC · GA · Rotary Bucket Excavator Operator

    Investigation is ongoing. *A miner died after being engulfed by a collapsing highwall.