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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 31, 2000, a 58-year-old miner with 34 years mining experience was fatally injured at an underground copper mine. The victim and two co-workers were loading blast holes in a heading. Rock fell from the rib striking them, fatally injuring the victim. The two co-workers were hospitalized with multiple fractures and internal injuries.

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Best Practices

  • Ground conditions should be tested as well as visually examined, prior to work commencing or as conditions warrant.

  • Ground conditions that create hazards to persons should be taken down or supported before other work or travel is permitted in the affected area.

    • More Information
    E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program     		Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

    This is the fifth fatality reported in calendar year 2000 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1999, there were four fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Fall of Face/Rib in 2000. There were no Fall of Face/Rib fatalities in the same period in 1999.

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    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.


    For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report