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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 21, 2002, a 51 year-old loader operator with 6 weeks mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim and a coworker were in the process of draining the water from the log washer at the end of the shift. The victim climbed inside the machine to remove debris and was crushed by the paddles when a third employee inadvertently started the machine from the plant control consol.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Power disconnect switches should be locked out and posted with signed tags by the individuals performing work prior to work commencing.

  • Wherever possible, startup switches should have a time delay along with simultaneous audible and visual warnings to alert persons of impending hazardous motion.

  • Companies should develop and implement procedures that address possible hazards for all maintenance tasks.
    • More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

    This is the fourth fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there was one fatality reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Machinery in 2002. There were no Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2001.

    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.


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