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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 15, 2005, a 35-year-old welder/repairman, with seven-years mining experience, was fatally injured at a cement plant. The victim was working from an elevated location when he lost his balance and fell about 35 feet to the concrete floor below.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage, SLAM each task to identify all potential hazards. Initiate action to protect yourself when performing every task.
  • Train all miners to recognize hazards from falling and ensure that safety harnesses are located throughout the plant.
  • Always wear appropriate fall protective equipment where hazards from falling exist.
  • Locate connection points or valves where miners can safely access them.
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 25th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 19 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Slip/Fall of Person in 2005. There were six Slip/Fall of Person 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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