METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 20, 1997, a front-end loader operator, with 3 years of mining experience, was killed at a limesetone quarry. The fender on a front-end loader had been raised to facilitate the removal and installation of the left rear wheel with a boom truck. The employee was in the wheel well area to help align the wheel for mounting on the spindle. As he started out from the wheel well, the come-a-long device used to support the fender failed, allowing the fender to pivot down and strike him. He sustained massive head injuries. This is the 35th fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 25 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd fatality classified as hand tools in 1997. There was one hand tool fatality during the same period in 1996. For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M35]