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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 17, 2005, a 32-year-old equipment operator/mechanic with 5 years mining experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was removing toggle seat wedge bolts so that the broken pitman toggle seat could be replaced. The safety pins, provided by the manufacturer, had not been installed nor had other steps been taken to block/secure this component against hazardous motion. The pitman assembly shifted and pinned the victim against the crusher framework.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that miners receive task training prior to allowing them to perform maintenance or repair on machinery or equipment.
  • Discuss the work procedures, including all possible hazards ( Risk Assessment ) and ensure the manufacturer's recommendations are followed for all repair work.
  • Before working on equipment, lock out the power and block equipment components against all possible motion/movement resulting from a sudden release of energy.
  • If potential hazards or prescribed procedures are unclear, DO NOT proceed until all safety concerns are adequately resolved.
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 14th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in Metal and Nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2004, there were 12 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 5th fatality classified as Machinery in 2005. There were 4 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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