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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On November 1, 2002, a 54 year-old machinist, with two years mining experience, was seriously injured in a shop at a phosphate mine operation. The victim was using a horizontal band saw to cut a grove in a wooden hammer handle. He was holding the hammer with his right hand vertically under the horizontal saw blade. The saw blade grabbed the handle forcing the victim's right hand into the band saw blade, severing three fingers. He died of complications resulting from the injury on June 17, 2003.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that personnel are trained in safe work procedures.
  • Use tools and equipment compatible with the job being done.
  • Secure any part or piece of material before work is performed to prevent accidental movement.
    • 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 41st fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. Based on the findings of the medical examiner, this fatality was determined to be chargeable to the mining industry on January 14, 2004. As of this date in 2001, there were 26 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the tenth fatality classified as machinery in 2002. There were two 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