Haul/Off Road/Coal/Ore/Pit/Quarry/Rock/Rubber Tire Truck Driver

Unknown- Truck over traveled dump site through berm. Truck traveled down and resting submerged in pit. Accident under investigation.

On September 12, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Bruce Vernon, a 69 year-old laborer, with 23 years of experience, died when the haul truck he was operating traveled through a berm and became submerged in a pond. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) ensure the berm at a dump site impeded the haul truck from overtravel, and 2) conduct an adequate workplace examination.

1. The mine operator did not ensure the berm at a dump site impeded the haul truck from overtravel.

   Corrective action: The mine operator retrained all miners on berm construction for dumping locations to impede overtravel.

2. The mine operator did not conduct an adequate workplace examination.

   Corrective action: The mine operator trained all miners on their revised workplace examination procedures. The revised workplace examination procedures state the following: Prior to work beginning in the dumping area, a competent person or supervisor shall perform a workplace area exam and document such exam. Documents shall be kept and maintained in compliance with MSHA regulations. The area shall be examined with sufficient lighting, whether natural or artificial, and performed from a viewpoint that allows for adequate inspection, and any deficiencies or unsafe conditions will be noted and remedied. All berms shall be constructed of substantial and primarily non-dirt material, at a minimum mid-axle height of the largest vehicle traveling in the area and shall be maintained to prevent overtravel of berms.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Haulage Or Dump Truck

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck against a moving object

Source of injury

MISCELLANEOUS,(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Nature of injury

UNCLASSIFIED,NOT DETERMED

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

23 years

Experience at this mine

23 years

Experience in this job

12 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY