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

During a pipe breaking operation by the float crew on the #5 Matrix line near the #8 Lift Pump, the Leaderman was struck by a pipe and suffered fatal injuries. The investigation of the accident by MSHA and the company is ongoing. Autopsy results are also pending.

On March 1, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., Johnny Daniels, a 61 year-old truck driver lead with over 16 years of mining experience, died after being struck with a slurry pipe. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not ensure the slurry pipe was blocked against hazardous motion.

1. The mine operator did not ensure the slurry pipe was blocked against hazardous motion.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed and implemented written procedures for pipe installation and removal and workplace examinations, regarding proper examinations for hazardous conditions, when to conduct them, what to look for, and actions to take when examiners identify hazards. The mine operator trained all designated miners in the new procedures.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Hand Tools (Powered)

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Source of injury

METAL,(Not Elsewhere Classified)(PIPE,WIRE,NAIL)

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

18 years

Experience at this mine

18 years

Experience in this job

9 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY