skip navigational linksDepartment of Labor Seal U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978		 Photos representing the mining workforce
www.msha.gov
[skip navigational links]Search MSHA Advanced Options | A to Z | Help
Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance |    
Printer Friendly Version (Contains All Graphics)

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 3, 2006, a 19-year-old laborer, with 4 weeks mining experience, was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was underneath a feeder conveyor belt and was adjusting it when he became entangled between the belt and the return idler.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices
  • Ensure that miners are properly task trained in procedures to safely adjust conveyor belts that are in operation. A competent person should closely observe the miner while he performs the task to ensure they are protected from hazardous motion of the conveyor.
  • Before assigning miners to adjust belts, have them identify hazards and demonstrate how they would safely complete the task. Stop, Look, Analyze, Manage ( SLAM ).
  • Keep all guards securely in place except when testing or making adjustments.
  • Install local stop switches at all conveyor locations and ensure start up warning alarms are operational where visual observation of the entire conveyor is not possible from the start up control.
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 9th fatality reported in calendar year 2006 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2005, there were 10 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 4th Powered Haulage fatality in 2006. There were four Powered Haulage 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



Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Accessibility | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us