Rotary Bucket Excavator Operator

Employee died when they became entangled in the log washer.

On November 16, 2024, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Scott Rhodes, a 50-year-old excavator operator with over seven years of mining experience, died when he became entangled in a log washer. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) de-energize and block the log washer against motion while performing maintenance, and 2) provide task training on log washer maintenance procedures.

1. The mine operator did not de-energize and block the log washer against motion while performing maintenance.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed and implemented new written procedures for plant maintenance procedures. The mine operator trained all miners on these procedures.

2. The mine operator did not provide task training on log washer maintenance procedures.

   Corrective action: The mine operator updated their Part 46 Training Plan to include procedures for clearing the log washer. The mine operator trained all miners who will be performing plant maintenance according to their Part 46 Training Plan.

Read the full report (PDF)

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Machine Maintenance

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Source of injury

MACHINE-MILL,CLEANING PLT

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

7 years

Experience at this mine

7 years

Experience in this job

7 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY