Francis E. Tatro, a 69-year-old front-end loader operator with over 37 years of total mining experience, died from aspiration pneumonia on January 8, 2020. Tatro suffered injuries and hospitalization as a result of an accident on July 30, 2019. Tatro was operating a front-end loader when the front-end loader’s bucket contacted the ground, causing the front-end loader to abruptly stop. The force of the impact resulted in Tatro, who was not wearing a seat belt, striking the front window, which caused serious injury, including paralysis to the arms and legs.
Best Practices:
1. Always wear seat belts when operating mobile equipment.
2. Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
3. Know the hazards. Be certain anyone operating front-end loaders is aware of safe operating practices and potential hazards.
Click here for: Final Report (pdf).