In the first incident on December 10, a 27-year-old dredge operator at Hunter Sand and Gravel’s Dredge IV facility in Kentucky slipped into the river while walking on a snow-covered barge and drowned.

Just days later on December 13, a 53-year-old worker at the Brown Brothers Sand Witched Stephen Plants complex in Georgia fell from a snow and ice-covered railroad tanker car to a concrete floor.

As both were a direct result of winter weather conditions, MSHA is urging both coal and metal/non-metal operations to address hazards promptly, including the removal of snow and ice from travelways and placement of salt and sand where needed.

All walkways should be regularly checked for safety hazards and a paint/sand mixture can be applied to walking and working surfaces to help with traction.

The agency also stressed the use of the appropriate personal protective equipment during the winter season.

More information on preventing injuries and fatalities during the winter can be found on MSHA’s website.