Bulldozer Operator

EE was cutting grass with 7300 compact track loader w/attached brush hog. For some unknown reason the machine lost traction and slid down small embankment into water. Cause of incident unknown at this time. Compliance with rules/reg not a factor, mining equip/system unknown to be a factor, but was used, PPE not a factor, job skills/miner proficiency/training/attitude not a factor.

1. The mine operator did not have adequate procedures for mowing the bank of the impoundment. The victim was working alone and was not wearing a lifejacket.

   Corrective action: The mine operator has modified the hazard training outline for contractors working on mine property to include the following safety precautions; No work is to be done near a water hazard alone or without a lifejacket and no work is to be done by contractors without the operator being made aware of the contractor’s presence on the property.

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Front-End Loader

Subunit / location

MILL OPERATION/PREPARATION PLANT

Accident type

Drowning

Source of injury

WATER

Nature of injury

SUFFOC,SMOK INHILAT,DROWN

Body part affected

BODY SYSTEMS

Total mining experience

35 years

Experience at this mine

5 years

Experience in this job

12 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY