Front-End Loader

Employee was engulfed when they entered the primary feed hopper/bin to clear clogged material.

On May 2, 2020, at 8:54 a.m., Rodger A. Zimmerman, a 56-year-old front-end loader operator with over eight years of total mining experience, died when he was engulfed by material inside the #1 hopper (hopper) at Enon Sand & Gravel mine. Zimmerman entered the hopper to clear a blockage caused by material in the hopper. Once inside, a large amount of material dislodged, engulfing Zimmerman. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: establish safe procedures to clear blockages in the hopper; provide access to areas from which blockages could be cleared safely; provide mechanical devices or other effective means to prevent and/or safely clear blockages; ensure the discharge belt conveyor was locked out prior to efforts to clear blockages; and train all employees on safe procedures for entry into bins, hoppers, tanks or other similar areas.

1. Management did not have safe procedures to clear blockages in the hopper.

   Corrective action: Mine management permanently removed the #1 hopper and belt conveyor from service. The mine operator acquired a portable crusher and placed it into service. Mine management developed and implemented written procedures for safe entry, operation, and maintenance of hoppers in accordance with 30 CFR § 56.16002.

2. Mine management did not task train any of their miners on how to safely clear blockages in the hopper. The miner entered the bottom of the hopper when loose unconsolidated material, which ultimately engulfed him, was present inside the hopper.

   Corrective action: Mine management established written procedures for the maintenance of the new portable crusher and any hoppers. All miners who operate this equipment were trained in the written procedures in accordance with 30 CFR § 46.7(b), and this training was documented in accordance with 30 CFR § 46.9.

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

Activity at time of incident

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunit / location

DREDGE

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

SAND,GRAVEL,SHELL

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

8 years

Experience at this mine

1 year

Experience in this job

8 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY