Barge/Boat/Dredge/Towbarge/Towboat/Leach Operator

As an employee was leaving work for the day employee ran into a gate that was partially open and this resulted in the driver's death.

On April 22, 2021, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Robert Earl Beam, a 53-year-old dredge operator with over 6 years of experience, died when his personal vehicle struck a partially closed gate on the mine road. The fatality occurred because the mine operator did not assure that the manual swing barrier gate was secured to prevent unintentional movement, especially during windy conditions.

1. The mine operator did not assure that the manual barrier gate was securely fastened in the open position.

   Corrective action: The mine operator has secured all barrier gates on mine property with a chain or strap attached to a post. Additionally, the mine operator painted all of the barrier gates, applied reflective tape to the gates, and installed signs on the approaches to the gates to warn drivers that gates are near. Further, the mine operator developed a written policy that all barrier gates on mine property must remain open and secured during normal business hours. When a barrier gate is in need of any work, a supervisor will be made aware of the situation and will implement necessary corrective action.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Utility Truck, Water Trucks

Subunit / location

DREDGE

Accident type

Struck by flying object

Source of injury

METAL COVERS & GUARDS

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

CHEST (RIBS/BREAST BONE/CHEST ORGNS)

Total mining experience

6 years

Experience at this mine

2 years

Experience in this job

2 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY