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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 12, 2004, a 58-year-old truck driver, with 15 years mining experience, was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim was driving a loaded haul truck down grade on a mine road when the truck traveled over the berm and came to rest about 20 feet below the edge of an embankment.

Photo of Accident Scene


Best Practices

  • Mobile equipment operators should ensure their seat belt is fastened before operating the equipment.
  • Conduct thorough pre-operational checks on all self- propelled mobile equipment and ensure safety defects are corrected before operating the equipment.
  • Ensure that service brakes will stop and hold mobile equipment prior to operating it.
  • Operate trucks in an appropriate gear for the grade, load, and speed.
    • 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 20th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 for the Metal and Nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2003, there were 22 fatalities reported. This is the 7th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2004. There were four 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