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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 23, 2002, a 30 year-old contract employee with 18 months experience was fatally injured at a cement plant. The victim apparently climbed out of the elevated man lift platform to gain access to a work location on the metal roof when he lost his footing and fell 46 feet to the ground.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Train all employees, including contractors, in hazard recognition and ensure they follow all safety requirements.


  • Establish secure anchor locations and require harnesses attached to secure lines be utilized by persons at elevated locations.


  • Maintain continuous fall protection when working at elevated locations.
    • 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 28th 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 second fatality classified as Slip/Fall of Person in 2002. There were three Slip/Fall of Person 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