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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On December 18, 1997, a ledgeman was killed at a dimension granite quarry. The victim and another ledgeman were driving steel wedges in an attempt to break a 40"x8'x8' granite block free. Fifteen �"x6" holes had been drilled into the side of the granite block to help start the wedges. The victim's partner was driving wedges near the top of the block and the victim was driving wedges below, when a 7�'x8' wedge-shaped slab of granite broke loose and fell on him. The slab of granite ranged from 4" to 40" thick and weighed approximately 17,000 lbs. This is the 61st fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 47 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 3rd fatality classified as "Falling/Sliding Material" in 1997. There were 4 "Falling/Sliding Material" fatalities during the same period in 1996.





Photograph of the Accident Scene
For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report