Pumper

Employee was building drill bench, pushed thru the berm at the edge of the highwall and traveled over the highwall.

1. The mine operator failed to assure that the bulldozer operator maintained full control of his machine while in motion and working in close proximity to the edge of an existing highwall.

   Corrective action: The mine operator retrained the surface equipment operators with regard to working in close proximity to the edge of highwalls.

2. The mine operator failed to ensure safe working procedures were being followed for the hazards associated with working on elevated areas. The training for equipment operators working on elevated areas was not adequate.

   Corrective action: The mine operator revised their training program to include a new task training program for Track Dozers: All dozer operators who work on elevated benches, i.e. drill benches, were retrained in the proper procedures and hazards associated with pushing material off highwalls. While building berms on the highwall, a full blade of dirt will be pushed to within 15 feet of the highwall. Then, a second full blade of material will be pushed next to the first load of material off the highwall.

3. The mine operator failed to ensure seatbelts were used where there is a danger of overturning mobile equipment.

   Corrective action: Re-training was provided to all miners using mobile equipment on mine property. All bulldozer operators who work on elevated benches, such as drill benches, were retrained in the proper procedures and hazards associated with pushing material off highwalls.

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

Activity at time of incident

Bulldozer

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck against a moving object

Source of injury

GROUND

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

HEAD,NEC

Total mining experience

1 year

Experience at this mine

1 year

Experience in this job

1 year

Degree of injury

FATALITY