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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 12, 2002, a 35-year-old maintenance worker with 7 years mining experience was fatally injured at an alumina operation. The victim was drilling out scale that had accumulated inside heater tank pipes. The drill motor, detached from the gear box, fell from the drill mast and struck the victim.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Establish procedures that require scheduled inspections and maintenance of equipment.

  • Ensure adequate pre-operational checks are conducted and identified needs for maintenance are properly addressed.

  • Ensure component fasteners meet or exceed manufacturer's specifications and are adequately tightened.

  • Provide backup securement methods for components subjected to constant vibration.
    • 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 18th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 16 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the sixth fatality classified as Machinery in 2002. There was one Machinery 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