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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 27, 2004, a 37-year-old truck driver with four years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim and two co-workers were dismantling a crusher for shipment to another mine site. A front-end loader, with a jib boom attachment, was being used to slightly lift the crusher discharge conveyor. During this operation, the conveyor support arm broke away from the fixed fastening base allowing the conveyor to suddenly swing upward. The victim, who was attempting to remove the pin from a support arm, was struck by a portion of the conveyor.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that mobile equipment is used according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Establish safe work procedures, train all personnel, and ensure that employees understand the hazards and safe work procedures before beginning any work.
  • Position employees to prevent them from being exposed to hazards.
  • Examine work areas before and during the shift for hazards that may be created as a result of the work being performed.
  • Monitor personnel routinely to determine that safe work procedures are followed.
    • 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 9th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2003, there were eleven fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2004. There were no Powered Haulage 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