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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 17, 2002, a 45-year-old front-end loader operator, with 11 years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim and a coworker were positioned on a conveyor attaching lifting chains suspended from the bucket of a track mounted back hoe. The victim was caught between the back hoe bucket and the conveyor frame when the boom and bucket moved unexpectedly.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Identify possible hazards and take necessary action to ensure safe operation prior to beginning repair or maintenance tasks.
  • Block all equipment or machinery components to prevent possible movement.
  • Establish procedures that require mobile man lifts be used where safe access is not provided.
    • 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 32nd fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 24 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the ninth fatality classified as Machinery in 2002. There were two Machinery 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