METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 19, 1998, a truck driver, with 18 months mining experience, was killed at a limestone quarry. The victim, age 72, was driving a loaded 25-ton articulated haulage truck down a 10% grade. He appeared to have lost control and traveled approximately 700 feet to the bottom of the decline, where the truck struck a rock berm. The trailer overturned, but the cab remained upright. The victim was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown through the windshield.
Best Practices
Equipment operators should always wear seatbelts.
Mobile equipment operators must exercise the highest degree of care and attention at all times.
Haulage roads should be designed to reduce steep grades.
This is the third fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were four fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were two fatalities classified as Powered Haulage during the same period in 1997.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report