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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 23, 2005, a 57 year-old laborer, with 8 years and 9 months mining experience, was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim and a co-worker were attempting to load a 10 foot by 5 foot by ¾ inch steel plate onto a flatbed truck using a chain attached to a front-end loader. When the steel plate was placed upright on the truck bed, the chain unhooked from the plate. Both the plate and the victim, who was standing on the truck attempting to steady it, fell to the ground and the plate crushed him.

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 procedures to safely complete tasks and ensure miners communicate clearly with each other.
  • Ensure that miners are not positioned in areas where they are exposed to hazards from suspended loads.
  • Use hitches and slings that are suitable for the material being lifted. Ensure that taglines are used when loads require guidance or steadying.
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 11th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 8 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd fatality classified as Falling Material in 2005. There was one Falling Material fatality during 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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