METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 22, 1998, a 43-year old bull dozer operator with 22 years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was operating a dozer on top of a surge pile. He got off the dozer and fell or was drawn into the reclaim tunnel draw point.

• Persons should not approach surge piles or draw points until the feed and discharge power disconnect switches are locked in the off position and safe access has been established.

This is the 42nd 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 17th 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