METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On July 1, 1998, a 41-year-old serviceman with seven years mining experience was fatally injured when the road sweeper he was operating was struck by a train. The accident occurred in a 292-foot long rail load-out tunnel located beneath a cement storage silo. The train had begun backing through the tunnel when it collided with the sweeper; pinning the sweeper, with the driver inside, against the west wall of the tunnel.

• Prior to moving trains, a warning should be sounded that is audible above surrounding noise levels.

• Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, the restricted area should be conspicuously marked.

• Rules governing the direction of movement should be established and followed.

This is the 27 fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 35 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 11th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were 14 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997.

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report