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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 13, 2003, a 62-year-old supervisor with 26 years mining experience was fatally injured at a cement plant. The victim was standing 9 feet above ground level at a door opening discussing the progress of repairs with another foreman standing outside on a concrete pad at ground level. The victim was leaning on the top chain handrail that was installed across the door opening. Apparently as the victim exerted outward pressure against the chain, the chain link slipped off the grab hook attachment on the removable end of the chain causing him to fall 9 feet to the concrete pad.

Photo of Accident Scene  Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that safety chains or handrails are properly installed, regularly examined and properly maintained, and are capable of supporting the weight of a person who might fall or lean on them.


  • Design the installation of safety chains to ensure the termination points remain securely attached when they are in place.
    • 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 second fatality reported in calendar year 2003 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2002, there were two fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Slip/Fall of Person in 2003. There were no Slip/Fall of Person fatalities in the same period in 2002.

    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