Hydraulic Cylinders Best Practices
A fatal accident involving a base lift jack on a longwall occurred when the cylinder was over-pressurized by an external force applied to the foot end of its piston rod. The proper design, maintenance, and rebuild of hydraulic components and circuits is essential to the safe operation of hydraulic systems. - See Alert

3 Foreman, 1 Miner Killed - 4 Consecutive Weekends! - See Alert

ANSUL has received several inquiries regarding the proper dry chemical fill levels to be expected during routine semi-annual maintenance of A-101 vehicle suppression system tanks. As a result of these inquiries, a review of this issue has taken place. - See Bulletin     - See Paper

Flyer #1

Flyer #2

Benshaw issued a warning safety notice to inform users of the Benshaw RS solid state reduced voltage starters with SCR bypass contactors of a potential safety hazard. To eliminate this potential hazard, Benshaw will supply at no charge a relay interlock kit to be installed in the control logic for the motor starter. Please refer to the attached bulletin for affected starters and contact information.

     See Benshaw Inc. Warning Safety Notice

Mobile crane accidents have occurred in the mining industry when the turret or slew bearing suddenly detached from the base of the crane as a result of bolt fastener and bearing race failures.

- See Flyer

Many accidents have occurred when miners repairing trailing cables fail to lock out and tag the plug. These accidents occur when power is restored by someone other than the individual making the repairs and without his or her knowledge. - See Flyer

Every time you take a 'short cut�, you put more than yourself at risk. When anyone chooses to take a chance and take a shortcut by ignoring safety, they put everyone in the mine at risk!!

- See Flyer

Longwall systems utilize high-pressure fluid to operate the shield supports, and that fluid is transported in high-pressure hoses, which can be damaged due to exposure to environmental conditions and physical stress. Damage to hoses may also result from the routine removal of the hoses for longwall system relocation and maintenance. This type of damage can be minimized to some degree.

Mine operators typically purchase hoses directly from hosing suppliers, and not through the equipment manufacturers. However, recognizing the need to promote safe work procedures around the high-pressure hosing used on all longwall systems, Bucyrus is issuing the attached bulletin recommending "Best Maintenance Practices" when working on high-pressure longwall hoses. MSHA encourages all mine operators to contact their hosing supplier with any questions specific to their product.

- See Bulletin

Several entrapment accidents have occurred recently where mine elevators have stopped in the shaft hoistway or have failed to properly align with the landing such that the doors would not open. Elevators at mines and preparation plants share equipment common to elevators found in office buildings, schools, and hospitals. - See Flyer

23% of Total 2010 Metal/Nonmetal Fatalities - See Flyer

Four fatalities occurred at MNM mines in the first three months of 2012 - See Alert

Collisions, roll overs, over travel of stop blocks and berms, running off the roads or backing off benches are accidents with something important in common! - See Flyer

Due to accidents and methane ignitions at highwall miner and auger operations, MSHA is providing best practices to aid mine operators in developing sound ground control plans.

- See Flyer

In 2011 there were 21deaths at coal mines - See Alert

A serious injury occurred recently in an underground mine due to the fall of roof or rib. The integral roof bolter operator was installing a roof bolt when a piece of rock 8" by 8" by 10" fell out and struck him on the shoulder, then falling and hitting him on the ankle.

- See Flyer

OVER HALF the fatalities this year at surface coal mines occurred in a 41-day period. In 33 days, 2 deaths involved bulldozers. - See Alert    - See Letter to Stakeholders

OVER HALF the fatalities this year at surface coal mines occurred in a 41-day period. 3 deaths involved highwalls. - See Alert    - See Letter to Stakeholders

Recently, a 22 year old contract truck driver was driving an 18 wheel coal truck from the active pit. As he ascended a grade and started down the other side, he apparently missed a gear or lost control, causing the truck to overturn on its side. The injured miner was treated at a local hospital and released with a shoulder injury & slight concussion.

- See Flyer

- See Flyer

      - See Flyer

      - See Flyer

Always wear seat belts when operating mobile equipment.

- See Flyer

Scoring a TD or touchdown is the goal of every football team. Fires at underground belt drives (UBD) and battery charging stations (BCS) can be defeated with a TD, that is good Training and proper Design.

- See Flyer

• Seven victims did not have or use fall protection.
• Three victims wore fall protection but did not properly attach the lanyard.
• Eight victims were contractors.


- See Flyer

Bleeder systems are ventilation networks used to ventilate pillared areas in underground coal mines. Effective bleeder systems protect miners from the hazards associated with methane, oxygen-deficient air, and other gases which may otherwise accumulate in these mined-out areas. Failure to properly examine, maintain, and evaluate the bleeder system has led to accidents, including fires and explosions, resulting in mine closures, injuries, and even death.