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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 10, 2006, a 45-year old dredge operator, with 9 years experience, was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim drowned when the floating clamshell dredge he was operating capsized.

Photo of Accident Scene Describe in the paragraph above.

Best Practices
  • Always conduct a complete pre-operational check.
  • Inspect all supporting structures for defects or cracks.
  • On a regular basis, examine and test all safety devices and ensure that they are operating properly.
  • Always wear a life jacket where there is a danger of falling into the water.
  • Set up a communications schedule with persons working alone.
  • 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 22nd fatality reported in calendar year 2006 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2005, there were 27 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 4th Machinery fatality in 2006. There were 8 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