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Safety Alert
Bulldozer Accident
On May 22, 2025, a bulldozer fell into a void above a feeder. The loose material from the coal pile collapsed around the bulldozer, engulfing the bulldozer and trapping the miner inside the cab. The bulldozer was equipped with a “submarine kit”, consisting of high-strength glass, self contained self rescuers, and two-way communication. From January 2020 to May 2025, there have been seven entrapment accidents involving bulldozers.
Best Practices
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Maintain stability. Do not operate equipment directly over feeders and clearly mark the location of the draw holes.
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Identify and communicate significant changes in feed rate that may indicate the presence of a void in the stockpile.
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Stock equipment cabs with safety equipment. Include emergency oxygen, remote shut offs, and two-way communication. Ensure all safety devices are properly maintained.
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Install high-strength glass certified for at least 40 psi with a frame and supports designed to withstand the added loading of entrapment conditions.
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Train miners and other persons at the mine to identify and address or avoid hazards related to surface mobile equipment.
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Always wear seatbelts when operating mobile equipment and stay in the cab to ensure safety.
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Identify currently available and newly emerging feasible technologies that can enhance safety at the mine and evaluate whether to adopt them.
Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.
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