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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On February 13, 2006, a 25-year old superintendent with 2½ years mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. A crane, operated by a contractor employee, was being used to lift a pitman from the secondary crusher. The victim was standing on the work platform and was struck by the pitman as it was being lifted.

Photograph of Accident Scene Described in Paragraph Above

Best Practices
  • Train miners in safe work procedures before beginning repairs and ensure they are familiar with the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage (SLAM) each task to identify all potential hazards before performing work.
  • Prior to hoisting loads, crane operators should ensure that all persons are positioned in areas where they will not be exposed to hazards of suspended loads.
  • Arrange the rigging to prevent shifting of the load being lifted. Balance the load by placing the crane or hook block directly above the load's center of gravity and ensure the pick line isn't contacting or deflected by any structure.
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 3rd fatality reported in calendar year 2006 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2005, there were two fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd fatality classified as Machinery in 2006. There were no Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2005.

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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