Skip to content
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 1, 2002, a 32 year-old conveyor attendant with 5 years mining experience was fatally injured at an open pit copper operation. The victim became entangled in a tripper conveyor pulley.

Photo of Accident Scene


Best Practices
  • Always lock out or block moving machinery against motion before working nearby unless all pulleys and pinch points are guarded or located where persons can not contact them.
  • Ensure that accessible pinch points on conveyor pulleys are guarded from contact.
  • Establish and enforce policies that prohibit work or travel near unguarded machinery components.
    • 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 16th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 13 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the seventh fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2002. There were seven 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