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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 6, 2002, a 47-year-old contract switchman with 25 years of experience, was fatally injured at a trona mine. The accident occurred at night. The victim, switching cars at a surface load out area, was caught between a 15-car train he was riding and a stationary car as the train moved.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Provide illumination sufficient to recognize hazards in all work areas.

  • Identify possible hazards and safe work procedures before moving rail cars.

  • Provide communications between personnel assigned to move rail cars.

  • Maintain continuous clearance of at least 30 inches from the farthest projection of moving railroad equipment on at least one side of the tracks.

    • 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 21st fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 19 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the ninth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2002. There were ten 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