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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 31, 2005, a 55-year-old truck driver, with one year and six months mining experience, was fatally injured at an underground limestone mine. The victim was riding in the passenger seat of a haul truck while task training a newly hired miner. The trainee lost control of the truck and traveled through the roadway berm. The truck fell 70 feet to the lower level and landed on its top. The trainee, who was wearing his seat belt, was hospitalized overnight for treatment of his injuries. The victim was not wearing his seat belt.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that new miners receive Task Training and demonstrate proficiency in all phases of mobile equipment operation at places where production is not the primary objective. Classroom training that includes a through review of the Operator's Manual should be provided prior to operating mobile equipment.
  • Ensure that experienced miners who administer Task Training are knowledgeable of all safety requirements, proficient in the safe operation of the equipment, and utilize all the required personal protective equipment.
  • Exercise caution and operate mobile equipment in the appropriate gear at speeds consistent with conditions of the roadway and the experience level of the trainee.
  • Ensure adequate pre-operational checks are conducted and the service brakes are properly maintained and will stop and hold the mobile equipment prior to operating it.
    • 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 13th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 11 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 5th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2005. There was one Powered Haulage 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