METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 12, 1999, a 49-year-old owner-operator was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim and a coworker used a chain attached to the bucket of a front-end loader to lift the grizzly which covered the hopper. The chain slipped, allowing the grizzly to fall and strike the victim who was leaning into the hopper removing debris.
This is the 32nd fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 33 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 13th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1999. There were 13 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1998.Persons should not work under suspended loads.
Hitches, slings and attachments used to hoist material should be suitable for the material handled.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal
Accident Investigation Report