On August 25, 2025, a miner’s life was tragically lost in a devastating accident. A haul truck he was operating went over a berm along the haul road, traveled over a highwall, and overturned into water in the pit.
This incident marked the 19th mine-related fatality of the year and the eighth involving powered haulage. These are not just numbers. They represent real lives, families, and communities forever changed.
What the Report Reminds Us
The investigation highlighted important practices that could help prevent future tragedies:
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Always operate heavy equipment at safe speeds, considering road conditions, grade, visibility, traffic, and the type of equipment being used.
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Follow your site’s Surface Mobile Equipment safety program closely.
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Make hazards visible with signs and signals along roadways, berms, and highwalls.
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Always wear a seatbelt, and never attempt to exit or jump from an out-of-control vehicle.
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Stay in control when descending grades and around sharp turns.
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Ensure operators receive thorough task training on the equipment they use.
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Conduct pre-operational checks before putting equipment into service.
Why It Matters to Colorado Safety Supply
At Colorado Safety Supply, we believe every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of the day. Tragedies like this remind us that experience and routine do not erase risks. Safety requires constant vigilance.
Here are a few ways we can strengthen safety together:
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Training that sticks – Go beyond box-checking by using real scenarios and hazard recognition.
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Gear and visibility – Reliable signage, seatbelts, and equipment checks save lives.
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Pre-ops every time – Even small inspections can reveal dangerous issues.
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Safety culture – Empower every worker to speak up, report hazards, or stop work if something feels unsafe.
Moving Forward
Safety is not just compliance. It is the daily commitment we make to protect ourselves and one another. This tragedy is a reminder that second chances are rare, and the cost of overlooking safety is far too high.
Colorado Safety Supply is committed to providing the right equipment, training, and resources to prevent future incidents. By choosing safety first, we honor those who have lost their lives and protect those still on the job.
