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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On February 13, 2002, a 53-year-old electrician with five years mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim and several coworkers were changing a generator on a power shovel. In preparation for lifting the generator, a hoist that was mounted overhead on an I-beam was being trammed into position when it ran off the end of the I-beam, fell and struck the victim who was performing work below.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Mechanical stops should be installed to prevent over travel of rail mounted hoists.

  • Procedures that evaluate possible hazards and assure prompt corrective action should be implemented prior to work beginning.

  • Mechanical equipment should be inspected prior to use and all defects should be promptly corrected.
    • 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 ninth fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were two fatalities reported in these industries. This is the third fatality classified as Machinery in 2002. There were no Machinery fatalities 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