Blaster

UNKNOWN AT TIME OF REPORT. A miner died when the front-end loader EE was operating went over a highwall and fell approximately 70 feet.

On August 7, 2025, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Terry Johnson, a 50-year-old contract blaster foreman with 33 years of mining experience, died after the front-end loader he was operating traveled over the edge of a highwall, falling approximately 50 feet. The accident occurred because the mine operator and contractor did not: 1) ensure the equipment operator maintained control of the front-end loader while it was in motion, 2) maintain the front-end loader braking system in safe operating condition, 3) update and implement their written Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment adequately, and 4) task train the miner to operate and perform a pre-operation inspection of the front-end loader.

1. The contractor did not maintain control of the John Deere 544E front-end loader while it was in motion.

   Corrective action: The contractor developed a written procedure which requires contractors to use the contractor’s equipment and not the mine operator’s equipment. Contractor employees have been trained in the written procedure.

2. The mine operator did not maintain the John Deere 544E front-end loader braking system in safe operating condition.

   Corrective action: The front-end loader involved in the accident was permanently removed from service. The mine operator developed written procedures for brake examinations and testing for mobile equipment based on manufacturer recommendations. Miners have been trained in the written procedure.

3. The mine operator and contractor did not develop and implement provisions for safe operations and maintenance of the John Deere 544E front-end loader and update them in the existing safety programs for surface mobile equipment.

   Corrective action: The contractor and mine operator updated their existing safety programs for surface mobile equipment with proper training materials. Contractors and miners were trained in the updated safety programs.

4. The contractor and mine operator did not provide task training on the John Deere 544E front-end loader.

   Corrective action: The contractor and mine operator revised and developed task training plans and ensured contractors and miners were task trained on all equipment.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Front-End Loader

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck against a moving object

Source of injury

SURFACE MINING MACHINES

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

33 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

0 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY