Skip to content
PDF Version

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 28, 2004, a 64-year-old plant operator, with 17 years mining experience, was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. He was using a water hose to clean spillage under a conveyor. Apparently, a large rock fell from a conveyor located overhead and struck him, resulting in fatal injuries.

Photo of Accident Scene


Best Practices

  • Conduct a Risk Assessment evaluating all tasks and identifying potential hazards before performing work.
  • Never walk under or perform work near moving conveyor belts where there is a danger of being stuck from falling material.
  • Ensure that guards, shields, or other devices are installed to protect persons from hazards of falling material near conveyors, screens, or crushers.
    • 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 19th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 for the Metal and Nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2003, there were 19 fatalities reported. This is the 6th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2004. There were two 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