U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government.

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Contact Us FAQ Site Map

Fatality Alert - Fatality #9 - September 20, 2017

Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 1-866-487-9243 (1 866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab-m09.pdf (215.61 KB)

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY – On September 20, 2017, a contractor was fatally injured while rappelling within a conditioning tower.  The victim was examining the inside of a 300’ vertical conditioning tower when an object fell from above and struck him in the head. The victim was conscious and transported to a local hospital where he died of his injuries the next day.

Photo of Accident Scene Described in the Paragraph Above

Best Practices

  • Remove all loose materials and other hazards before working.
  • Have fall protection and available and ready for use.
  • Check bin atmosphere for oxygen content, combustible gases, and toxic contaminants.
  • Provide adequate lighting.
  • Be sure the person entering the bin is trained in safe entry and confined space procedures.
  • Have standby personnel available to observe and to assist in an emergency.

Additional Information

This is the 9th fatality reported in calendar year 2017 in metal and nonmetal mining.  As of this date in 2016, there were 13 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining.  This is the 3nd Fall of Material fatality in 2017.  There was one Fall of Material fatal in the same period in 2016.