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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 17, 2001, a 40-year-old mechanic, with 12 years of mining experience was fatally injured at a surface limestone mine when he was crushed below a portable explosives storage trailer he was preparing to move. The victim had removed some wooden cribbing that had been installed to stabilize the trailer when the trailer shifted and fell on him.

Photo of Accident Scene    Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Equipment should be properly blocked to prevent accidental lowering when persons are present.


  • Blocking material should be thoroughly examined and tested prior to use.


  • Ground where blocks will be placed should be examined for integrity prior to blocking equipment.
    • 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 24th fatality reported in calendar year 2001 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2000, there were 39 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the second fatality classified as Machinery in 2001. There were ten machinery fatalities in the same period in 2000.

    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