Bulldozer Operator, Universal Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Operating Engineer fatality

June 8, 2007 at 12:05 PM

Minorca Mine · Cleveland-Cliffs Minorca Mine Inc. · St Louis County, MN

Investigator narrative

The deceased was fatally injured when a P&H Omega 20 ton mobile crane tipped on top of him while he attempted to exit the crane. The crane was attempting to postion a de-watering pipe when the accident occured. This accident is still under investigation by MSHA and Hazmat and United Steelworkers.

Record details

Classification: MACHINERY
Accident type: Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object
Activity at time: Surface Equipment, Nec
Subunit / location: STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT
Source of injury: CRANES,DERRICKS
Nature of injury: CRUSHING
Total mining experience: 30.38 years
Experience at this mine: 30.38 years
Experience in this job: 0.38 years
Mine type: Surface
Sector: Metal/Nonmetal

Similar incidents in MSHA records· same classification: MACHINERY

March 12, 2026 · Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · UT · Maintenance Man, Mechanic, Repair/Serviceman, Boilermaker, Fueler, Tire Tech, Field Service Tech
At approximately 05.12am on the 12th March 2026, a mechanic was struck by a drill boom in a surface workshop, causing fatal injuries.
March 5, 2026 · Patton Mining LLC · IL · Continuous Miner Operator, Coal Mole Operator
The IE was moving the miner to the face in entry #3 when we found the IE pinned between the miner tail and the solid rib.
January 6, 2026 · National Cement Company Of California Inc · CA · Maintenance Man, Mechanic, Repair/Serviceman, Boilermaker, Fueler, Tire Tech, Field Service Tech
During preparation for dismantling of motor and gear box on slide gate. Employee didn't follow given instructions and removed all bolts from gearbox. That cause released of stored energy on slide gate and motor with gear box start spinning. Employee got caught by the equipment and started spinning with it. During…