Preliminary Report - Fatality #5 - May 14, 2011

On Saturday, May 14, 2011, at approximately 8:18 p.m., Richard L Young, a 37-year old mechanic with at least 14 years mining experience was fatally injured while removing the counter weight from a Caterpillar 992 G End Loader. Two mechanics were preparing to remove the fuel tank and counter weight when the victim placed himself under the machine and started removing the 30 mm x 80 mm bolts holding the weight in place. The victim had successfully removed 14 of the 16 bolts. Upon starting to remove the next to last bolt, it appears that the last two remaining bolts failed and broke, allowing the 11,685 pound counter weight to fall, crushing the victim causing fatal injuries. No blocking or attempt to secure the counter weight was provided before removing the bolls.