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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On December 9, 2002, a 48-year-old delivery truck driver was fatally injured at a potash operation. The victim parked his truck at the warehouse and was gathering the slings that had been used to secure the rolls of conveyor belt to the flat bed trailer during transit. As a forklift was being used to unload a roll, it accidentally dislodged another roll from its wooden cradle. The victim was struck by the roll as it fell from the flat bed trailer.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Analyze all tasks and identify possible hazards prior to the commencement of work.
  • Prior to lifting large unsecured loads, evaluate the lift thoroughly to ensure it will not impact the stability of other material or supplies.
  • Establish procedures to eliminate hazards and take necessary action to ensure all persons follow safe job procedures.
  • Ensure all persons are clear prior to moving or shifting supplies.
  • Ensure that non employees are properly trained and supervised while at the mine.
    • 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 39th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 29 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 15th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2002. There were 15 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