Highwalls

Highwalls are large, earthen mounds, piles, banks, or cliffs. The structural integrity of these formations can weaken, causing material to slide down the highwall. This can strike or bury miners, causing serious injury or death.

Be careful when operating near highwalls. Title 30 CFR §56.3430 prohibits working or traveling between equipment and a highwall when there is a chance the equipment could make it hard to escape falling material. Travel is permitted when getting out of equipment.

If operating below a highwall, ensure there is an adequate benching system that decreases the slope using terrace with smaller, more stable rises. Avoid undercutting a highwall by excavating from the bottom up.

If operating above the highwall, be careful near the edge. Do not allow workers, equipment, or overburden too close to the working edge of a highwall.

To learn more about Surface Mining Refresher visit our MSHA Part 46 Surface Mining Refresher Online Training web page.