February 24, 2025 - On August 11, 2024, a miner died while clearing spillage around a belt conveyor head roller. During this process, the belt conveyor moved forward causing the miner to fall 37 feet down a transfer chute, onto a belt conveyor, where he landed on the top of a stacker tube and fell approximately 60 feet onto a coal stockpile.

Best Practices:

• Lock out, tag out, and block belt conveyors against hazardous motion before performing repairs or maintenance. 
• Evaluate for possible stored energy and other hazards before beginning work. 
• Provide safe access where miners work. 
• Task train miners on safe work practices. 

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