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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 |
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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY -On November 18, 1999, a 38-year-old Scraper operator (contractor operator) was fatally injured when the scraper he was operating went over the edge of a highwall and fell 78 feet to the quarry floor below. The scraper lost engine power while ascending an inclined roadway and the brakes on the equipment were not capable of stopping or holding the scraper on the grade.
Best Practices
This is the 49th 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 15th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1999. There were 19 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1998.Equipment operators should always wear seat belts
Brake systems on mobile equipment should be maintained in functional condition
Roadways and ramps should be designed to reduce steep grades
Berms must be provided and maintained along the edge of elevated roadways
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report
