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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 21, 2003, a 45-year-old mechanic with 8 years 6 months mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. A crew of four miners was loading a conveyor onto a trailer utilizing a rubber tired crane. As the lift was being made, the crane became unstable and tipped on its side. The victim was struck by the conveyor as it fell to the ground.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure equipment operators follow the operator's manual load chart and stabilizer setting procedures prior to making any lift.

  • Ensure that the load is securely rigged prior to lifting or moving it.

  • Ensure that personnel are positioned in a safe location prior to lifting the load.
    • 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 24th fatality reported in calendar year 2003 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2002, there were 40 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 8th fatality classified as Machinery in 2003. There were 12 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