METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On December 14, 2007, a 43 year-old contractor truck driver with 10 years experience was fatally injured at a lime operation. The victim was found lying on the ground by the rear bulk trailer parked near an access rack. The rack was used to access the hatches on top of the trailers. The victim was hospitalized and died of his injuries on January 22, 2008. Although there were no eyewitnesses, the victim's injuries were consistent with a fall from an elevated location.

Discuss work procedures; identify all potential hazards; and ensure the job is done safely. (SLAM ) Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage. Train all persons to recognize fall hazards and ensure that safe work procedures are discussed and established. Ensure that persons wear fall protection where there is a danger of falling. Provide self retracting lanyard mechanisms when workers are required to reposition themselves to perform tasks. Ensure that access racks are properly maintained. Establish traffic patterns that ensure safe alignment of vehicles with access racks.
This is the 32nd fatality reported in calendar year 2007 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2006, there were 25 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 6th Fall of Person fatality in 2007. There were 3 Fall of Person 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.
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