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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 6, 2009, a 57-year old surface driller with 27 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface gold mine. The victim was drilling in a pit, exited the drill, and was walking in the drill area when he was struck by a flatbed truck as it backed up. The truck was in the area to collect drill cutting sample bags.

Photo of Accident Site described in paragraph above.


Best Practices


  • Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no one is in the intended path.
  • Sound the horn to warn persons of movement and wait to give them time to get to a safe location.
  • Operate mobile equipment at reduced speeds in work areas.
  • Do not operate mobile equipment in reverse for extended distances when it is possible to travel forward.
  • Be aware of the location of mobile equipment in your work area before exiting your equipment.
  • Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
  • Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
  • Train all miners to recognize work place 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 10th fatality reported in calendar year 2009 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2008, there were 12 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd Powered Haulage fatality in 2009. There were 3 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 2008.

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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