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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 26, 2003, a 39-year-old over the road tire technician, with 17 years experience, was fatally injured at a surface stone mine. The victim was using a truck-mounted tire handling crane to place two tires in an upright position against the front tire of a 50 ton haul truck. As he moved the second tire into position, it slipped from the gripping pads, struck the ground, and pinned him against the crane truck.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Discuss work procedures and identify hazards associated with the task to be performed and implement measures to ensure persons are properly protected.
  • Never work under or near suspended loads.
  • Fasten the load securely to the hoisting attachment.
  • Do not lower the clamping force to re-orient a tire held in the gripping pads when a tire is suspended.
    • 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 17th fatality reported in calendar year 2003 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2002, there were 29 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the sixth fatality classified as machinery in 2003. There were 9 machinery fatalities in the same period in 2002.

    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