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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 16, 2004, a 35-year-old mechanic with 12 years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. He used a hydraulic floor jack to lift a forklift. The victim was changing the starter on the machine when the jack apparently shifted and the forklift fell on him.

Photo of Accident Scene


Best Practices

  • Conduct a Risk Assessment evaluating all tasks and identifying potential hazards before performing maintenance work.
  • Use a lifting device that is compatible with the load being lifted and block equipment against hazardous motion before starting any repairs.
  • Take additional care and caution when working underneath equipment. Never work under a load that is only supported with a jack.
More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program 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 18th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 for the Metal and Nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2003, there were 17 fatalities reported. This is the 5th fatality classified as Machinery in 2004. There were five Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2003.

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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:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report



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