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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 1, 2003, a 20-year-old laborer, with 1� years mining experience, was fatally injured at a surface dimension sandstone mine. The victim was operating a fork lift when he lost control and overturned while traveling on a mine roadway.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure adequate pre-operational checks are conducted on all self- propelled mobile equipment and that any defects found are promptly corrected.
  • Ensure that service brakes will stop and hold equipment prior to operating mobile equipment.
  • Ensure that berms are provided on elevated edges of roadways where a drop-off exists.
  • Remove spilled material that creates hazards on roadways.
  • Provide appropriate training before any tasks are performed.
    • 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 15th fatality reported in calendar year 2003 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2002, there were 24 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as powered haulage in 2003. There were 9 powered haulage 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