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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 27, 2005, a 70-year old dozer operator, with 41 years mining experience, was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation while cleaning off a bench in preparation for drilling. The dozer backed over the edge of the bench, rolled over, and fell 45 feet to the quarry floor, landing on its tracks.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage (SLAM) each task.
  • Maintain and wear seat belts when operating machinery.
  • Use equipment that is compatible with the size of the work area.
  • When working a dozer close to an edge, always keep the blade between the operator and the edge.
  • Operate equipment so that control is maintained.
  • Plan site excavations to prevent areas with tight clearance.
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 16th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 12 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 6th fatality classified as Machinery in 2005. There were four Machinery fatalities 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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