METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 7, 1997, a supervisor with 36 years of mining experience was killed at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was directing the movement of a portable crusher. He was struck by a 4,000 lb. unsecured barrier plate that fell about 4' from the rear of the crusher. This is the 55th fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 39 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd fatality classified as fall/slide of material in 1997. There were 3 fall/slide of material fatalities during the same period in 1996.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M55]