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Fatality Alert - Fatality #4 - April 15, 2011

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab11m04.pdf (65.23 KB)

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 15, 2011, a 53 year- old miner with 26 years of experience was killed at an underground silver operation. He was wetting a muck pile in a stope when a fall of back, approximately 90 feet long, struck him.

underground silver operation accident location

Best Practices

  • Design, install, and maintain a support system to control the ground in places where persons work or travel.
  • Examine and test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed prior to work commencing and as ground conditions warrant during the shift.
  • When ground conditions create a hazard to persons, install additional ground support before other work is permitted in the affected area.
  • Analyze extraction ratios and backfill methods and characteristics to improve stability.
  • Be alert to any change of ground conditions.

Additional Information

This is the 4th fatality reported in calendar year 2011 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2010, there were 3 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st Fall of Roof fatality in 2011. There were no Fall of Roof fatalities in the same period in 2010.