October 13, 2000
MN · Metal/Non-Metal
bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer
Fatality · FIRE
Hibbing Taconite Company
· Contact with hot objects or substances
EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING A CRAWLER TRACTOR ON THE #1039 STOCKPILE IN THE MINE PIT. A FLASH FIRE OCCURRED. THE OPERATOR EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE BURNS AS HE EXITED THE OPERATOR'S CAB. INVESTIGATION CONTINUES. HE WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 1/2 WEEKS IN THE BURN UNIT. ON NOVEMBER 2, 2000, MSHA WAS NOTIFIED THAT HE EXPIRED AT HOME.