METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 2, 1998, a 67-year old bulldozer operator with 40 years mining experience was fatally injured at an open pit mine. The victim was operating a dozer on a narrow pit bench when it collapsed. The dozer rolled sideways 2-1/2 times and came to rest on its side. The victim was not wearing a seat belt.

• Seat belts should always be worn when operating mobile equipment.

• Benches should be wide enough to allow safe travel.

This is the 39th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 47 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the eighth fatality classified as Machinery in 1998. There were six Machinery 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