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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 22, 2004, a 63-year-old superintendent with 45 years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim and two co-workers were installing a new conveyor belt. He was standing on the steel support structure for the conveyor and fell 12 feet when the rope he was pulling unexpectedly came loose from the end of the belt.

Photo of Accident Scene


Best Practices

  • Miners need to discuss job tasks and identify any potential hazards (conduct a risk analysis) before performing any work. Identify safe work procedures and take action to eliminate any hazards.
  • Train all personnel to recognize fall hazards. Ensure that a safety harness and lanyard are utilized and securely anchored where there is a danger of falling.
  • Ensure that the correct tools and equipment for the task are available and used properly.
  • Position yourself in a safe location where you are not exposed to hazards.
  • 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 16th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 for the Metal and Nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2003, there were 16 fatalities reported. This is the 6th fatality classified as Fall of Person in 2004. There were three Fall of Person 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