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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 31, 2005, a 33-year-old mechanic, with four years mining experience, was fatally injured at an underground stone operation. The victim was operating a tractor while traveling up a grade. Apparently the tractor contacted a rib and overturned, pinning him.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure adequate pre-operational checks are conducted on all self- propelled mobile equipment and that any defects found are promptly corrected.
  • Ensure that service brakes will stop and hold mobile equipment prior to operating mobile equipment.
  • Exercise caution when approaching grades and operate mobile equipment in the appropriate gear at speeds consistent with the grade being traveled.
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 2nd fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in Metal and Nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2004, there were three fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2005. There were no Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 2004.

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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