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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 10, 2002, a 57 year-old equipment operator with 25 years mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim was approaching the stone load out when apparently the rear brake line ruptured. The truck left the road, traveled several hundred feet and struck a tree. The victim, who was not wearing the seat belt provided, was found on the ground near the truck.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

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

  • Establish procedures that require scheduled inspection and maintenance of mobile equipment.

  • Ensure that service brakes will stop and hold equipment prior to operating mobile equipment.

  • Enforce policies that require seat belts be worn by mobile equipment operators.
    • 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 26th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 20 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 10th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2002. There were eleven 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