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Fatality Alert - Fatality #8 - May 26, 2010

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab10m08.pdf (72.97 KB)

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 26, 2010, a 28 year-old contract miner with 10 weeks of mining experience was fatally injured at an underground uranium mine. The victim was scaling a rib when he was struck by falling material approximately 11 feet high, 15 feet wide and 4 inches to 30 inches thick. 

Photo of Accident Scene Described in the Paragraph Above

Best Practices

  • Always examine, sound and test for loose ground in areas before starting to work, after blasting, and as ground conditions warrant.
  • Train all persons to scale loose material safely.
  • Always perform manual scaling from a safe location.
  • When manually scaling, use scaling bars of a length and design that allow the removal of loose material without exposing the persons performing the work.
  • Install ground support in ribs where conditions warrant.

Additional Information

This is the 8th fatality reported in calendar year 2010 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2009, there were 10 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall fatality in 2010. There were 0 Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall fatalities in the same period in 2009.