METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On February 20, 1997, an equipment operator (contractor employee) with 4 weeks of mining experience was killed at a gold pit. The employee was on the engine deck of his truck doing a pre-shift inspection when another employee jump started the truck causing it to roll forward and turn to the left. The employee jumped from the engine deck and was run over by the truck. He died from crushing injuries. This is the 12th fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were seven fatalities reported in these industries. This is the seventh fatality classified as powered haulage in 1997. There were four powered haulage fatalities during the same period in 1996.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M12]