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.

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.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Bulldozer

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck against a moving object

Source of injury

SURFACE MINING MACHINES

Nature of injury

UNCLASSIFIED,NOT DETERMED

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

27 years

Experience at this mine

2 years

Experience in this job

27 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY