MSHA - Final report issued for fatality on 9/8/2023

"On September 8, 2023, a miner died after entering a hopper to clear an obstruction. A front-end loader dumped two loads of crushed limestone into the hopper with the miner inside.

Best Practices:

Install barricades to prevent mobile equipment access to bins and hoppers when miners are working in them.

Establish and train miners on procedures for safely clearing bins and hoppers.

Lock-out and tag-out the supply and discharge equipment before entering bins and hoppers. 

Wear a safety belt or harness equipped with a lifeline in a confined space.

Equip bins and hoppers with vibrating shakers or air cannons to prevent material blockages."

https://www.msha.gov/data-reports/fatality-reports/2023/september-8-2023-fatality/final-report