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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 12, 2002, a 63-year-old equipment operator with 30 years mining experience was fatally injured at a surface pebble stone mine. The victim was standing by a pick-up truck when he was struck from behind by a run-a-way front-end loader. The loader operator lost control of the equipment after the engine stalled while descending a grade.

Accident Scene Photo  Accident Scene Photo  Accident Scene Photo

Best Practices

  • Self propelled mobile equipment should be provided with service brakes that are capable of stopping and holding the equipment on the steepest grade that it travels.

  • Preventive maintenance programs should be implemented to identify and repair defects that affect safety on mobile equipment.

  • Part 46 training should be made available to all employees.

  • Preshift examinations should be conducted prior to operation.

  • Backup alarms should be audible above the surrounding noise level.
    • 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 second fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there was one fatality reported in these industries. This is the second fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2002. There was one Powered Haulage fatality in the same period in 2001.

    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