METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On July 23, 1998, a 42-year old water truck driver, with eight years of mining experience, was fatally injured at an open pit clay mine. The victim was wetting the roadway while operating a tractor attached to a trailer-mounted 5,000-gallon water tank. While attempting to negotiate a curve, the unit jack-knifed and the trailer struck the cab, fatally injuring the operator.

• Mobile equipment should be operated under control at all times and should be consistent with conditions.

• Haulage roads should be designed to reduce steep grades and sharp curves.

• Equipment operators should always wear seat belts.

This is the 30th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 40 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 11th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were 17 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997.

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report