• Ensure pre-operational checks are conducted and identified needs for maintenance are properly addressed.



• Establish procedures that ensure jack components are locking in position properly and the unit is level before positioning mast.



• Use adequate cribbing to prevent the jacks from sinking into the ground.



• Know the limitations of your drill and follow the procedures in the operators manual.

	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 25^th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2001, there were 20 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the ninth fatality classified as Machinery in 2002. There was one Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2001.

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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