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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 16, 2004, a 37-year-old laborer with 6 months mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. A 4-man crew was positioning a conveyor utilizing a rubber-tired crane. The victim had both hands on the end of the conveyor. He was electrocuted when the crane hoist cable contacted a high-voltage power line.

Photo of Accident Scene


Best Practices

  • Before the work begins, miners should jointly discuss the job tasks, identify all possible hazards, and ensure that steps are taken to safely perform the task (risk analysis).
  • Ensure that high-voltage power lines are de-energized before operating equipment within 10 feet of them.
  • Ensure that someone on the ground is designated to give signals to the crane operator making the lift.
  • Train all miners to recognize hazards associated with crane lifting and ensure that tag lines are attached to guide the load.
  • Ensure that miners are in a safe location prior to lifting the load.
    • 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 21st fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in Metal Nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2003, there were 22 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Electrical in 2004. There were two Electrical 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