METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On March 30, 2007, a 34 year-old dredge operator, with 16 years mining experience, was fatally injured at a dredge operation. The victim was correcting a problem with the deck mounted suction winch when he fell from the dredge. He was found floating in water behind the dredge. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident.
Always wear a life jacket where there is a danger of falling into the water. When performing maintenance tasks on the dredge, ensure that sufficient persons are on board to safely perform the task. Conduct a risk analysis before starting the task to ensure that all hazards are evaluated and eliminated. Ensure that machinery components are blocked against hazardous stored energy prior to performing maintenance or repairs. Ensure that the dredge has hand rails, of substantial construction and height, to prevent persons from falling overboard.
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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. |
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This is the 5th fatality reported in calendar year 2007 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2006, there were three fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd Other fatality in 2007. There were no Other fatalities in the same period in 2006.
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:
MSHA's Fatal Accident
Investigation Report