METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - - On December 21, 1999, a 22-year-old Laborer with 2 weeks of mining experience was fatally injured when his clothes became entangled in a self cleaning pulley and he was subsequently pulled into the moving machine parts. The victim had entered into a confined space area containing an unguarded self-cleaning pulley that was in operation. Guards had been provided to protect persons from the moving machine parts, however, the guards had been removed and were laying on the ground.
Best Practices
This is the 52nd fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 50 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the eighth fatality classified as Machinery in 1999. There were eight Machinery fatalities in the same period in 1998.Each work place must be examined at least once on each shift for conditions which may adversely affect safety or health
Prompt action must be initiated to correct hazardous conditions
Moving machine parts must be guarded to protect persons from contacting them
Guards must be securely in place while machinery is being operated
New employees must be indoctrinated in safety rules and safe work procedures
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report