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Fatality #5 - June 13, 2018 - Fatality Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY – On June 13, 2018, a 65-year old truck driver with 4 years of experience was fatally injured when his truck traveled over a berm and into an impoundment of water.  Divers recovered the victim in 20 feet of water.

Fatality 35 fatal alert scene

Best Practices

• Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
• Conduct adequate pre-operational checks and correct any defects affecting safety in a timely manner prior to operating mobile equipment. Maintain equipment braking and steering systems in good repair and adjustment.
• Operate mobile equipment at speeds consistent with the conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, curves, and traffic.
• Ensure that berms are adequate for the vehicles present on site, including but not limited to height, material, and built on firm ground.
• Consider storing personal flotation devices in equipment that is being operated near water.
• Ensure that all exits from cabs on mobile equipment, including alternate and emergency exits, are maintained and operable.
• Use seat belts when operating mobile equipment.

Additional Information

This is the 5th fatality reported in calendar year 2018 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2018, there were 4 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the 3rd Powered Haulage fatality in 2018. There were two Powered Haulage fatalities during the same period in 2017.