skip navigational linksDepartment of Labor Seal U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978		 Photos representing the mining workforce
www.msha.gov
[skip navigational links]Search MSHA Advanced Options | A to Z | Help
Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance |    
Printer Friendly Version (Contains All Graphics)

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 18, 2008, a 28 year-old contractor mechanic/welder with 8 years experience was fatally injured on the surface at an underground stone mine. A crane was being used to lower into place a 7,000 pound counterweight for a scaling machine. The victim was checking alignment of the bolt holes for the counterweight when one of connectors on the rigging broke, causing the counterweight to swing and strike him. The second connector then broke and the counterweight fell on top of the victim.

Photo of Accident Scene Described in the Paragraph Above


Best Practices
  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures. Identify and control all hazards to finish the job safely.
  • Train all persons to recognize and understand safe procedures to perform tasks before beginning work.
  • Keep all persons clear of suspended loads.
  • Use sling or chain assemblies (rigging) specifically intended for lifting and adequately rated for the loads being lifted.
  • Carefully inspect all rigging prior to each use.
  • Properly attach or rig slings, chains, and hooks.
More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.


This is the 14th fatality reported in calendar year 2008 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2007, there were 21 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 3rd Machinery fatality in 2008. There were 6 Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2007.

The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.


For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report



Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Accessibility | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us