Front-End Loader

A front-end loader operator was attempting to clear a buildup of sand from a stacker conveyor belt's tailpiece when the operator's arm became entangled. The victim was air lifted to a trauma center where the victim died a week later.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at 10:10 a.m., Matt G. Blanchette, a 63-year-old Front-End Loader Operator with eight years of mining experience, became entangled in a moving belt conveyor. He was air-lifted to a trauma center where he died as a result of his injuries on August 5, 2020. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) ensure the guarding for the belt conveyor tailpiece remained in place when the belt conveyor was operating; 2) properly maintain the belt conveyor to prevent frequent spillage of material; 3) prevent work on the belt conveyor while it was in motion; 4) conduct adequate workplace examinations; and 5) ensure proper training was provided to the miners.

1. The mine operator did not ensure that guards were in place at all times when the plant was operating. The mine operator also did not prevent work on belt conveyors while in motion.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed and implemented a written action plan to prevent similar occurrences. This plan includes: 1) a provision that all moving machine parts will be guarded; 2) training for all miners on the importance of guarding moving equipment and the hazards of working near a moving belt conveyor; 3) additional management oversight to ensure guarding is installed and maintained; and 4) a redesign of the guard involved in the accident to simplify the process of replacing it. The mine operator incorporated this action plan into the mine’s training program, and trained all miners at this mine in the action plan.

2. The mine operator did not properly maintain the sand conveyor to prevent a recurring buildup of material that required removal.

3. The mine operator did not comply with working place examination requirements. There were no records of examinations for any period of time found on mine property.

4. The mine operator did not have a training plan and did not provide new miner training to Blanchette when he began working at the mine.

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

Activity at time of incident

Handling Coal, Rock, Ore

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Source of injury

BELT CONVEYORS

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

ARM,NEC

Total mining experience

8 years

Experience at this mine

8 years

Experience in this job

8 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY