METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 15, 1998, a 69-year-old security guard (contractor employee) with 5 months mining experience was fatally injured at an open pit mine. The victim had gotten out of his truck, leaving the automatic transmission in reverse gear and the engine running. When he went behind the truck, it began to roll back, running him over.
Best Practices
Before exiting a vehicle, make certain the gear selector is in "Park". Always set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. If the vehicle is parked on a grade, the wheels should be chocked or turned into a bank to prevent the vehicle from moving.
This is the 34th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 44 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 14th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were 18 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997. (Please note the 1997 final fatality count was changed from 60 to 61 after the close of the calendar year).
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report