A front-end loader operator was killed at Tooele, Utah-based Bolinder Resources LLC , a crushed and broken quartzite, when he became trapped between a moving belt conveyor and the bottom of a tramp metal magnet. Allen K. Sherman, 56, climbed up the structure of the belt conveyor to access and clean tramp metal off the magnet when the belt conveyor was started, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

The accident occurred because management failed to ensure that safe work procedures were followed while persons performed work on the belt conveyor to clean the tramp metal magnet. The belt conveyor was not deenergized, locked and tagged out, and blocked against motion prior to persons removing tramp metal from the magnet.

Additionally, the startup procedures for the belt conveyor did not ensure that persons were protected when it was started. The required audible warning device could not be heard above the plant noise.

For the detailed report from MSHA, click here.