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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 26, 1998, a 56-year old crusher operator with 5 days experience at this mine and 20 years total mining experience was killed at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was walking toward the crushing plant and apparently passed too close to the rotating drive shaft and coupling that connected the crusher to the drive unit. He became entangled in the drive shaft and coupling, which were not guarded.

Best Practices

  • Moving machine parts must be guarded to protect persons from inadvertent contact.

  • New employees should be indoctrinated in safety rules and safe work procedures.

  • Examinations of working places should be performed at least once each shift and corrections should be initiated by the operator to address safety and health hazards.
This is the 25th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 31 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the fifth fatality classified as Machinery in 1998. There were five Machinery fatalities in the same period in 1997.

For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report




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