Bulldozer Operator

Machine operator was operating a CAT D9T dozer clearing overburden material from a bench. Operator reversed the machine backwards an estimated 200-300 ft. at a high speed without looking back and without responding to honking from another machine, per witness testimony. Machine fell off an edge. Operator was pronounced dead at the scene. Machine is total loss.

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

On June 22, 2023, at 2:31 p.m., John Hatfield, a 60 year-old contractor bulldozer operator with 27 years of mining experience, died after the bulldozer he was operating backed over the edge of a highwall, and fell approximately 44 feet onto a pile of rocks on the pit floor.The accident occurred because the contractor did not ensure the bulldozer operator wore a seat belt while operating the bulldozer.

Lee el informe completo (PDF)

Hallazgos del informe final de investigación de la MSHA, que sustituye la narrativa preliminar anterior.

Actividad al momento del incidente

Bulldozer

Subunidad / ubicación

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Tipo de accidente

Golpeado contra un objeto en movimiento

Fuente de la lesión

SURFACE MINING MACHINES

Naturaleza de la lesión

UNCLASSIFIED,NOT DETERMED

Parte del cuerpo afectada

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Experiencia minera total

27 years

Experiencia en esta mina

2 years

Experiencia en este puesto

27 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY