USA: MSHA points to management failings in Midlothian fatality

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) report on the fatal accident in May at Ash Grove Midlothian plant in Texas cites a failure in management policies, procedures, and controls to adequately ensure that effective barricades and readily visible warning signs were provided, where hazards were not immediately obvious.

Roderick Barnes, Maintenance Worker, age 46, was fatally injured on 10 May 2016 falling 50ft through an unprotected three foot by four foot opening in a walkway over an empty slurry tank below. Mr Barnes was atempting to jog the rake system when he fells.

The highest level of management at the site at the time of the accident was Matt Kertz, Maintenance Manager and Acting Mine Manager.  The facility employs approximately 120 persons and operates three shifts, seven days a week.