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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On November 6, 2005, a 28-year old assistant plant operator with one year mining experience was fatally injured at a surface iron ore mine. The victim and a co-worker were in the pellet plant attempting to free a stuck pallet. When the pallet broke free, the victim was pinned between the cooler frame and the pallet dump arm.

Photo Showing Accident Scene described in narrative above.

Best Practices

  • Train employees in safe work procedures and workplace hazards before beginning repairs.
  • Position yourself only in areas where you will not be exposed to hazards resulting from a sudden release of energy.
  • Practice safe work habits during the entire task. Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage (SLAM) each task to identify all potential hazards.
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 33rd fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 22 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the ninth fatality classified as Machinery in 2005. There were 5 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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