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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On July 24, 2004, a 19-year-old laborer with 8 days mining experience was injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim was operating a skid steer loader to clean spillage around the plant. He was found caught between the tilt cylinder assembly and the top front of the operator's cab. The victim was life-flighted to a hospital where he died on August 6, 2004.

Photo of Accident Scene

Victim was caught between the tilt cylinder pin assembly and the top front of the cab.

Best Practices

  • Evaluate a task and identify any potential hazards (conduct a risk analysis) before performing any maintenance work. Establish safe work procedures that include removing the hazards before beginning any work.
  • Train all personnel assigned to operate mobile equipment regarding the safe work procedures and the hazards associated with maintenance of the equipment.
  • Position yourself in a safe location where you are not exposed to hazards.
  • Before performing repairs or maintenance on equipment, turn the power off and block the machinery against hazardous motion.
  • Monitor personnel routinely to determine that safe work procedures are followed.
  • 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 14th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 for the Metal and Nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2003, there were 14 fatalities reported. This is the 3rd fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2004. There was one Powered Haulage fatality in the same period in 2003.


    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