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MSHA - Fatalgram

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On February 13, 1998, a 26 year old truck driver (contractor employee) with 1 year of mining experience was fatally injured when he lost control of his 30-ton articulated haulage truck. He was traveling empty down a 16-20% grade haulage road when he lost control, went over a 7-foot high berm and landed on an access ramp. He was reportedly wearing a seat belt.

Best Practices

  • Haulage vehicle brake systems should be checked more often when the vehicles are operated on steep grades.

  • Haulage roads should be designed to minimize steep grades.

  • Seats with a built in head restraint should be used in conjunction with shoulder and lap seat belts.
  • This is the seventh fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were eight fatalities reported in these industries. This is the second fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were four Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997.

    For more information:
    MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report