Fatality #5 - February 19, 2009

On February 19, 2009, Carlos M. Cruz, Carpenter/Laborer, age 61, was fatally injured when he was struck by the boom of a crane. The boom collapsed as the crane was lifting a crusher that was being removed as part of a demolition project at the mine. Cruz was hospitalized and died on April 12, 2009, as a result of his injuries. 



The accident occurred because the crane was used beyond the manufacturer's design capacity. The total lift exceeded the design capacity of the crane and the two wire rope bridles being used for the lift. The demolition crew failed to accurately determine the total weight of the lift. The crane was used to lift the crusher, but the crusher was not completely detached from its supporting structure. This resulted in a severe loading of the crane's boom. The crane was not properly leveled and oriented to prevent boom side loading. The load chart and boom lacings were not being properly maintained. Additionally management did not provide task training to the victim.