METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 18, 1998, a front-end loader operator with 40 years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was dumping material into the crusher feed hopper. After backing away from the hopper he continued in reverse and traveled over a 15 -foot highwall. The service brakes were defective.

Best Practices

• Defects on mobile equipment should be identified and corrected prior to the equipment being used.
• Berms should be installed at elevated locations where there is danger of overtravel.

This is the 41st fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 50 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 16th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were 20 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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