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

Truck Driver in TDW060 pulled over and stopped at a curve in the road, partially off the road, which created a blind spot. Loader Operator in 3LV025 was driving in the same direction of the truck. As the Loader Operator passed the truck the Truck Driver was struck and killed.

On September 18, 2024, at 9:24 a.m., David Brace, a 68-year-old truck driver with 45 years of mining experience, died when a front-end loader struck him. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) ensure the front-end loader operator could safely perform the assigned task, and 2) ensure the front-end loader was operated at speeds consistent with visibility and traffic conditions.

1. The mine operator did not ensure the front-end loader operator could safely perform the assigned task.

   Corrective action: The mine operator updated their training plan and trained all mobile equipment operators to ensure they are adequately task trained to safely operate the Volvo L180H front-end loader.

2. The mine operator did not ensure the front-end loader was operated at speeds consistent with visibility and traffic conditions.

   Corrective action: The mine operator installed signs around the mine site alerting persons of restricted clearance, blind spots, and restricted areas. The mine operator developed and implemented a written procedure requiring equipment operators to slow down when passing vehicles and maintain additional distances between equipment. The mine operator trained all front-end loader operators to travel with the bucket in an appropriate position according to the manufacturer’s manual. Additionally, the mine operator updated the site-specific hazard awareness training to require all miners to wear high visibility vests/shirts, and to require vehicle/equipment operators to establish eye contact with other nearby vehicle/equipment operators prior to exiting a vehicle/equipment.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Unknown

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck by powered moving object

Source of injury

SURFACE MINING MACHINES

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

45 years

Experience at this mine

45 years

Experience in this job

45 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY