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 November 17, 2008, a 67 year-old mechanic with 36 years of experience was fatally injured on the surface of an underground limestone operation. The victim was repairing a bent gate post along a ramp leading to the underground mine portal. A front-end loader approached to assist in the repair work and went out of control striking him.

Photo of Accident Scene Described in the Paragraph Above


Best Practices
  • Provide an operators manual in the cab and ensure all mobile equipment operators are familiar with its contents.
  • Provide training to ensure that persons conduct adequate pre-operational checks on all self-propelled mobile equipment and correct any defects promptly. The check should include verifying audible and visual warning features are functional.
  • Ensure that service brakes are adequate to stop and hold mobile equipment prior to operating.
  • Exercise caution when approaching grades and operate mobile equipment in the appropriate gear at speeds consistent with the grade being traveled.
  • Communicate planned equipment movement with persons in the area.
  • Stay alert to approaching mobile equipment.
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 22nd fatality reported in calendar year 2008 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2007, there were 32 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 5th Powered Haulage fatality in 2008. There were 8 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 2007.

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 - Not Available Yet



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