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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On December 9, 2002, a 47-year-old truck driver with 1 year10 months mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim was in the process of removing a 12 foot long section of a walkway attached to a portable inclined conveyor. As he was cutting a metal attachment using an acetylene torch, the section of walkway collapsed on him.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Analyze maintenance tasks and identify possible hazards prior to the commencement of work.
  • Establish job procedures to eliminate hazards and ensure personnel are trained to utilize the proper equipment and tools.
  • Secure all equipment or machinery components to prevent movement.
  • Ensure personnel are adequately trained and assisted as necessary when performing maintenance work.
    • 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 40th 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 12th 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