February 25, 2025 - On April 13, 2024, a front-end loader operator drowned, lying face down in a pool of water.  The front-end loader operator was last seen using a water hose to wash material off a concrete pad next to a pool of water.

Best Practices:

• Conduct adequate workplace examinations before work begins in an area.
• Maintain workplaces in clean and dry condition when possible. 
• Where wet processes are used, maintain drainage, and ensure safe access.
• Ensure miners are able to communicate with others when assigned to work alone.
• Routinely check on miners working alone.

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