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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On March 29, 2002, a 53 year-old truck driver with one year mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was struck by the bed of a haul truck when it lowered unexpectedly. He had been standing at the rear of the cab, reaching across the frame trying to free one of the hoist control cables.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Persons should not work under a raised component of mobile equipment until the component has been blocked or mechanically secured to prevent accidental lowering.

  • Mechanical blocking can be achieved by installing a hinged prop leg.

  • Formal procedures that address possible hazards should be implemented for all maintenance tasks.

  • Manufacturer's service guides should be obtained, referenced and followed.
    • 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 tenth fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were seven fatalities reported in these industries. This is the fourth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2002. There were three Powered Haulage 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