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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 1, 2003, a 39-year-old laborer/operator, with 4� years experience, was fatally injured at a surface dredge operation. The victim was using a forklift, near the edge of a dredge pond, to relocate the dredge's high voltage cable. He drowned when the embankment sloughed off causing the forklift to tip in the pond.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Evaluate the stability of the ground prior to operating mobile equipment near any drop off or edge.
  • Ensure that mobile equipment is positioned a safe distance from the edge prior to performing work.
  • Require flotation devices be worn by persons operating mobile equipment in the vicinity of water.
    • 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 20th 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 third fatality classified as powered haulage in 2003. There were 11 powered haulage 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