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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On November 13, 2002, a 30-year-old dozer operator with 11 years mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim was pushing up previously shot rock near the base of a 21-foot highwall. A large portion of the highwall failed, collapsing the ROPS on the dozer and fatally injuring the victim.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Train employees in hazard recognition and ensure they follow all safety requirements.
  • Inspect highwalls thoroughly prior to work being performed.
  • Ensure loose ground and overhanging material is taken down or block all access to those areas.
  • Adopt mining methods that ensure mobile equipment is operated perpendicular to the face of a highwall.
    • 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 38th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 27 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 10th 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