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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 18, 2007, a 52 year-old contractor laborer was fatally injured at an alumina operation. The victim was standing on a horizontal pipe scaffold support when he lost his balance and fell about 57 feet.

Photo Showing Accident Scene Described in Paragraph Above

Best Practices
  • Discuss work procedures; identify all possible hazards; and ensure steps are taken to safely perform the task. (SLAM ) Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage.
  • Ensure that floor openings near work areas are covered to protect persons.
  • Ensure safety lanyards are securely fastened at all times when workers are positioned at elevated locations.
  • Ensure workers are trained and understand the proper use of restraint devices. Provide self retracting lanyard mechanisms when possible.
  • 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 9th fatality reported in calendar year 2007 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2006, there were 6 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st Slip/Fall of Person fatality in 2007. There were no Slip/Fall of Person 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:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report