Skip to content
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On March 30, 2002, a 67 year-old process operator (leadman) with 29 years mining experience was seriously injured at a cement operation. The victim was helping clear a blockage inside a cement clinker drag conveyor located in a tunnel. When the access door for the enclosed conveyor was opened, hot clinker spilled into standing water generating a steam outburst that burned the victim. The victim died from his injuries on April 5, 2002.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • A protocol that address potential hazards should be developed prior to beginning major maintenance tasks.

  • Special protective clothing and equipment should be provided and worn to protect persons from environmental hazards or irritants.


  • Water should not be permitted to accumulate where it could come in contact with hot materials.
    • 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 12th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were seven fatalities reported in these industries. This is the fifth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2002. There were three Powered Haulage 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 - Not Available Yet