Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 18, 2008, a 28 year-old contractor mechanic/welder with 8 years experience was fatally injured on the surface at an underground stone mine. A crane was being used to lower into place a 7,000 pound counterweight for a scaling machine. The victim was checking alignment of the bolt holes for the counterweight when one of connectors on the rigging broke, causing the counterweight to swing and strike him. The second connector then broke and the counterweight fell on top of the victim.
Best Practices
- Establish and discuss safe work procedures. Identify and control all hazards to finish the job safely.
- Train all persons to recognize and understand safe procedures to perform tasks before beginning work.
- Keep all persons clear of suspended loads.
- Use sling or chain assemblies (rigging) specifically intended for lifting and adequately rated for the loads being lifted.
- Carefully inspect all rigging prior to each use.
- Properly attach or rig slings, chains, and hooks.
Additional Information
This is the 14th fatality reported in calendar year 2008 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2007, there were 21 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 3rd Machinery fatality in 2008. There were 6 Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2007.