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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 22, 2005, a 45-year old strip operator with 8 years mining experience was fatally injured at a surface gold operation. The victim and another miner were pulling a sump pump through an opening in the second floor decking in a mill building. After the pump was removed, the victim fell through the opening into the sump below.

Photo showing an opening in the second floor decking in the mill building

Best Practices

  • Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage (SLAM) each task to identify all potential hazards. Initiate action to protect yourself when performing every task.
  • Train all miners to recognize hazards from falling and ensure that safety harnesses are provided.
  • Always wear appropriate fall protection equipment where hazards from falling exist.
  • 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 30th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 22 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 3rd fatality classified as Slip/Fall of Person in 2005. There were six Slip/Fall of Person fatalities in the same period in 2004.


    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