METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 1, 1998, a 61-year old mechanic (contractor employee) with no mining experience was fatally injured at an alumina mill. The victim was performing maintenance on the hydraulic system of a front-end loader when a sudden release of hydraulic pressure caused the bucket support arm to fall, pinning him against the loader frame.

• Maintenance should not be performed unless the power is off and machinery components are blocked against hazardous motion.

This is the 32nd fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 42 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 14th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were 18 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997. (Please note the 1997 final fatality count was changed from 60 to 61 after the close of the calendar year).

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report

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