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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 30, 2004, a 60-year-old plant manager with 40 years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation while setting up a portable plant. A metal plate, 15 feet wide by 8 feet high, had been placed in a near vertical position as a barrier between the dump ramp and scalper. The victim was twisting a retaining cable attached to the unanchored plate to remove slack when the plate fell, striking him.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Follow established safe work procedures.
  • Position employees to prevent them from being exposed to hazards.
  • Examine work areas during the shift for hazards that may be created as a result of the work being performed.
  • Before any work starts, anchor any material that has the potential to fall.
    • 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 2nd fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2003, there were three fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st fatality classified as Falling Material in 2004. There were no Falling Material fatalities in the same period in 2003.

    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