METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 14, 1998, a truck driver with two years and four months experience was killed at a limestone quarry. The victim was dumping his truck at a 20-foot high waste dump when he backed over the edge. The truck overturned onto the driver's side, pinning the victim under the left front tire. He was not wearing a seat belt. Berms or bumper blocks were not provided at the dump site.

• Seat belts should be worn by all equipment operators.

• Berms or other impeding devices are required at dumping locations where there is a danger of overtravel.

• Dumping locations should be visually inspected prior to work commencing.

This is the 24th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 29 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the tenth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were thirteen Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997.

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report