MSHA issues safety alert to contract truck drivers

The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) recently issued a safety alert to contract truck drivers operating within mines.

The agency reported there have been 129 accidents involving contract truck drivers since 2020 resulting in five fatalities and 99 lost time injuries.

The alert was issued Sept. 29, just three days after the agency published a fatality alert involving a contract truck driver.

Mine truck rolled over while dumping on unstable stockpile

Steve DiTomasso, a contract haul truck driver, was injured while dumping a load at the top of a 3/4 inch processed stone stockpile. The ground under the haul truck failed causing the truck to overturn onto its cab. DiTomasso later died from his injuries.

The fatality occured the morning of Sept. 8 at the Lynch Corp. construction sand and gravel surface pit in Cumberland, Rhode Island. DiTomasso was contracted by IDS Highway Safety, Inc. and had over 13 years experience.

MSHA reported this accident was the 22nd fatality reported in 2025, and the ninth classified as “powered haulage.”

Best practices for drivers, mine operators

In both the safety and fatality alerts, MSHA listed best practices to keep contract truck drivers safe on the job:

For mine operators

• Construct substantial berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks, or similar impeding devices at dumping locations where there is a hazard of overtravel or overturning.
• Conduct workplace and ground condition examinations before beginning work in an area.
• Never load material from the toe of a stockpile that is below an active dump point. This practice typically leads to a slope that is unstable and too steep.
• Maintain stockpile slopes no steeper than the angle of repose.
• Establish a site-specific traffic plan to include traffic routes, speed limits, and access points. Train miners to follow all traffic controls.

For truck drivers and contractors

• Always dump material from a stable and safe location. If examinations indicate the ground conditions are not reliable, dump loads at a safe distance and push the material over the edge using a bulldozer.

• Maintain control while operating mobile equipment. Never exceed a vehicle’s design capabilities, operating ranges, load limits, and safety features.
• Always wear seatbelts when operating mobile equipment.
• Never exit a moving vehicle. Remain in the seat with your seat belt secured.
• Conduct pre-operational examinations to identify and repair defects that may affect the safe operation of equipment before placing equipment into service.
• Maintain equipment braking systems. Perform repairs and adjustments when necessary and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s load limits.