METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 29, 1997, a contractor service technician with 17 years of experience was killed at a limestone quarry. The victim picked up a tire/wheel assembly from the bed of his boom truck to install on a front-end loader. The 5,000 lb. load fell on him as he was lubricating the bead on the tire. This is the 53rd fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 38 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 10th fatality classified as machinery in 1997. There were 2 machinery fatalities during the same period in 1996. For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M53]