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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 26, 2006, a 58-year-old contractor dozer operator, with 12 years experience, was fatally injured at a phosphate operation. The victim was operating a dozer to push top soil into a water filled pit that was being reclaimed. A portion of the bank and stockpile collapsed, causing the dozer and victim to slide into the water.

Photo of accident scene described in the paragraph above

Best Practices
  • Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage, SLAM each task to identify all potential hazards. Initiate action to protect yourself when performing every task.
  • Evaluate the stability of the ground prior to operating equipment near any drop off or edge.
  • Use equipment (excavator) that can perform the work from a safe distance away from the edge of a pond where the stability of the ground may be unknown.
  • Require that flotation devices be worn by persons performing work where there is a danger of falling in the water.
  • When dozing toward a highwall edge, constantly examine the ground surface for development of cracks or fissures indicating separation, push perpendicular to the highwall face, and always keep a full blade in front of you.
  • When dozing soft or unconsolidated material, be aware of changes in the feel of the footing under you and immediately back out of material that feels like it is softening up.
    • 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 2006 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2005, there were 13 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 3rd Machinery fatality in 2006. There were five Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2005.

    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