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Fatality Alert - Fatality #9 - February 27, 2014

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab14m09.pdf (185.5 KB)

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY -On February 27, 2014, a 27-year-old contract mechanic with 2 years of experience was injured at an underground limestone mine.  The victim was repairing a hydraulic pump on a scaler when fell from an attached walkway approximately five feet to the ground.  He was airlifted to a hospital where he died the next day.

A scaler with a removed panel where the victim had been working on the internal hydraulics.

Best Practices

  • Ensure that persons are trained, including task-training, to understand the hazards associated with the work being performed.
  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and use methods to properly protect persons.  
  • Conduct work place examinations before beginning any work.
  • Do not place yourself in a position that will expose you to hazards while performing a task.
  • Ensure effective gates, safety chains, or railings are used and properly maintained where openings may exist that could pose a hazard.

Additional Information

This is the 9th fatality reported in calendar year 2014 in metal and nonmetal mining.  As of this date in 2013, there were 6 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining.  This is the 2nd Fall of Person fatality in 2014.  There were 0 Fall of Person fatalities in the same period in 2013.