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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 1, 2005, a 50-year-old mechanic, with 30 years mining experience, was fatally injured on the surface of an underground lime operation. The victim and a co-worker were attempting to install a fan housing on a coal mill. They had positioned a steel pipe against a concrete wall to support an electrically-powered, hydraulic ram that was utilized to push the housing into position. During this process, the pipe became dislodged and struck the victim.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Conduct a Risk Assessment before beginning a task, to evaluate the work procedures, identify all possible hazards, and ensure steps are taken to safely perform the task.
  • Establish policies that ensure procedures are developed and followed to safely complete repair tasks.
  • Ensure the proper equipment is utilized so that equipment components are blocked to prevent hazardous movement.
  • Ensure that miners are not positioned in areas where they are exposed to hazards resulting from a sudden release of energy.
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 7th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 7 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 3rd fatality classified as Machinery in 2005. There were three Machinery 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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