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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 21, 2003, a 58-year-old weigh master, with 15 years experience, was fatally injured at a surface stone operation. The weigh master was in a scale house at the mine when a pickup truck, driven by another mine employee, struck and entered the building. Reportedly, the driver of the vehicle suffered a blackout at the time of the accident due to a medical condition.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that operators of self-propelled mobile equipment maintain control of the equipment while it is in motion.
  • Ensure that all persons operating any vehicles, mobile equipment, or machinery on mine property are physically and medically capable to perform such tasks.
  • When taking medications, follow the physician's/pharmacist's instructions before operating any self-propelled mobile equipment.
    • 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 21st 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 fourth 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