Arlington, VA — Loose rocks and overhangs are a couple of the hazards miners should be looking for on highwalls before beginning work, the Mine Safety and Health Administration advises in a recent fatality alert.
The alert was prompted by a Jan. 29 incident in which a piece of rock fell from a highwall and struck the cab of a drill being operated by a mine worker.
MSHA offers best practices for working near highwalls:
- Scale highwalls from a safe location to eliminate hazards.
- Perform highwall examinations more frequently after periods of rain, freezing temperatures and thawing. Check from the bottom, sides and top/crest, looking for signs of cracking and instability.
- Use auxiliary lighting during low-light conditions when performing examinations or working.
- Ensure miners work, travel and operate equipment at safe distances from highwalls.
