METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On December 25, 1997, a 35-year old contractor security guard drowned when his pick-up truck traveled over a berm and became partially submerged in a ditch containing about four feet of water. The victim had eight years experience as a security guard and had worked at this mine for 12 weeks. The accident occurred on a curve in the road en route to a construction site the victim was securing. The road was about 2 miles long and 44 feet wide. The victim may have suffered a medical emergency. There were no injuries which would have prevented him from climbing out of the truck after it came to rest in the ditch.
When persons are assigned to perform duties at remote locations, a system to verify their status should be implemented. When accommodating persons with unique medical needs, an emergency/communication device should be available to them.
This is the 61st fatality reported for calendar year 1997, in the metal and nonmetal industry. The fatality was determined to be chargeable after the close of the calendar year; therefore, the total fatality count for 1997, is changed from 60 to 61.
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