METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 26, 2000, a 37-year-old laborer with 3-1/2 years mining experience was fatally injured at a burned lime quarry. The victim had climbed up and was sitting on the top rail of the tripper conveyor counterweight enclosure as he attempted to bar loose spillage that had built up at ground level on the inside. The counterweight, which was positioned several feet above, dropped and struck him as the tripper conveyor cycled to a new kiln feed position.

• Maintenance should not be performed unless the power is off and machinery components are blocked against motion.
  
  
• Mine operators should take measures to assure all personnel are trained in safe work procedures.

	Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future. Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

This is the third fatality reported in calendar year 2000 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1999, there were three fatalities reported in these industries. This is the second fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2000. There were two Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1999.

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The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report