METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On March 23, 2005, a 34-year-old contractor laborer, with one week of mining experience, was fatally injured at a cement operation. The victim was inside the basket of a boom lift. While lowering the basket, that was loaded with material, he pinned himself between the steel beam on the 3rd floor of the building and the control panel of the boom lift.
Best Practices
Ensure that contract employees are properly trained to safely operate the equipment they are using. Use equipment only for its intended purpose. Boom lifts are not cranes! When using boom lifts in work areas with limited space, ensure that the controls are placed in the slowest speed to avoid abrupt movement. Management should routinely monitor work activities to ensure that miners are protected from possible hazards.
This is the 4th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 6 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st fatality classified as machinery in 2005. There were two machinery fatalities 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:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report