METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY -On November 09, 1999, a 62-year-old miner was found face down underneath a pile of rock which apparently fell off one of the ribs in a stope. The victim appeared to have been deceased for approximately 2 months before local authorities discovered his body.
Best Practices
This is the 48th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 48 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 4th fatality classified as Fall of face in 1999. There were 3 Fall of face fatalities in the same period in 1998.Examinations of ground conditions must be conducted prior to entering an area
Ground conditions that create a hazard to persons must be taken down or supported before conducting work or traveling in the affected area
Persons should never enter into old abandoned mines
Persons should not enter mining areas alone
Proper tag-in and tag-out procedures should be followed by all persons entering a mine.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report