Published: November 19, 2024 |

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Mine operators should train miners on recognizing highwall hazards and following procedures for their safe control, the Mine Safety and Health Administration advises in a recent safety alert.

A September 30 incident in which a mine worker suffered serious, permanently disabling injuries prompted the alert. The miner was operating a front-end loader beneath a highwall when a roughly 50-foot section of it fell onto the equipment. It crushed the cab of the front-end loader and pinned the worker’s legs under the dashboard.

MSHA offers best practices related to working or traveling near highwalls:
• Examine highwalls from the bottom, sides and crest before working or maneuvering near them. Examine them
  more frequently after rain or periods of freezing and thawing.
• Before work begins, remove hazards such as loose rocks, overhangs and trees.
• Use auxiliary lighting to illuminate work areas when low light conditions exist.
• Don’t park equipment, perform maintenance or store materials beneath highwalls.

MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S miners. The agency develops and enforces safety and health rules for all U.S. mines regardless of size or number of employees. MSHA also provides technical, educational and other types of assistance to mine operators. MSHA works cooperatively with industry, labor and other federal and state agencies to improve safety and health conditions for all miners in the U.S.

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