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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On March 11, 2005, a 23-year-old laborer, with one year mining experience, was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim had entered a bin and was attempting to dislodge material that had adhered to the inside walls. The victim was not wearing a safety belt secured to a lanyard. He was engulfed when the material suddenly broke free.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

Prior to entering bins, hoppers, tanks, or silos:
  • Ensure supply and discharge operating controls are locked out.
  • Ensure a safety harness properly secured to a lanyard is worn and a second person is positioned outside to adjust the lanyard.
  • Ensure miners have been trained to safely perform the task.
  • Miners should discuss the work procedures, identify all possible hazards, and ensure steps are taken to safely perform the task.
  • Management should routinely monitor these activities to ensure miners are protected from possible 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 3rd fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 5 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st fatality classified as falling/sliding material in 2005. There was one falling/sliding material fatality in the same period in 2004.

    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