METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 1, 2007, a 57 year-old loader operator with 38 years experience was injured at a sand and gravel operation. He walked under a conveyor belt being repaired and was struck by a return roller that fell as it was being installed. The victim was hospitalized and died on October 4, 2007.
Review maintenance procedures to ensure all possible hazards have been identified and appropriate controls are in place to protect persons. Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage (SLAM) each task. Establish policies to ensure that barricades or warning signs are installed to prohibit access and protect persons from falling object hazards.
This is the 26th fatality reported in calendar year 2007 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2006, there were 21 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st Handling Material fatality in 2007. There were no Handling Material fatalities in the same period in 2006.
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