Skip to content
MSHA - Fatalgram

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 4, 1998, a 34-year old mechanic (contractor employee)  was fatally injured at a stone quarry. The victim was performing repairs under a rail car when a remotely controlled locomotive impacted the car. The victim was run over when he attempted to crawl out from under the car.

Best Practices

  • Derailing devices should be installed between persons working on rail cars and moving rail equipment.

  • When a train operator's vision is obscured, a warning that is audible above the surrounding noise should be sounded prior to moving trains.

  • A remote controlled locomotive should only be used when the operator can maintain visual contact with the locomotive and all cars.
  • This is the 21st fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 28 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the ninth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were 13 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997.

    For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report