METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 26, 1997, a welder was killed at a granite quarry. The employee was relocating a portable welder with a forklift attachment on the front of a Caterpillar 910 loader. While traveling up a steep road, the hydraulic pressure dropped on the lift mechanism causing the portable welder to be lowered and drag on the ground. The increased resistance caused the loader to stall and apparently roll backwards. It appears the victim tried to jump clear but was run over before the loader went over the bank. This is the 25th fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 16 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 12th fatality classified as powered haulage in 1997. There were six powered haulage fatalities during the same period in 1996. For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M25]