Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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fab-m21.pdf
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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY – On November 18, 2014, a 42-year-old contract supervisor with 19½ years of experience was killed at an alumina operation. A crane was lifting a 2,500 pound door to be installed on a filtrate tank. The welded lifting eye on the door broke loose and the door fell, pinning the victim on the concrete floor.
Best Practices
- Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work.
- Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed.
- Task train all persons to understand safe job procedures and to stay clear of suspended loads.
- Use welded lifting eyes that are specifically intended for lifting and adequately rated for the loads being lifted.
- Use certified welders and good quality welds when attaching lifting eyes or lugs.
- Ensure the weld metal is compatible with the base metal of the connecting components and thoroughly clean any rust or scale from a surface prior to welding.
- Carefully inspect all rigging prior to each use.
- Attach taglines to loads that may need steadied or to be guided while suspended.
- Avoid extreme side loading on a lifting eye or lug unless it is designed to handle such loading.
- Monitor persons routinely to determine safe work procedures are followed.
Additional Information
This is the 21st fatality reported in calendar year 2014 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2013, there were 18 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the 4th Falling Material fatality in 2014. There were 3 Falling Material fatalities in the same period in 2013.