May 2, 2022 - On January 11, 2022, a 32 year-old miner died while driving on a mine road when a tree fell from a highwall onto the cab of his pickup truck.   

Best Practices

• Examine highwalls frequently and from as many perspectives as possible (bottom, sides, and top/crest).  Look for signs of instability such as cracks, sloughing, loose ground, and for fall of material hazards such as large trees and rocks.

• Train all miners to recognize hazardous highwall conditions.

• Conduct additional examinations as conditions warrant, especially during periods of changing weather conditions.

• Clear loose or potentially hazardous material from near the edge of highwalls and slopes, especially when persons will work or travel below.

• Develop and follow a ground control plan that addresses all potential hazards.

Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.