METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 21, 2006, a 35-year-old driller/breaker, with 11 months mining experience, was fatally injured at a dimension stone operation. The victim was setting pins and wedges to break out an eneven section of the quarry floor when a piece of limestone approximately 13 feet long, 9 feet high, and 9 inches thick fell from the highwall, pinning him. Another miner, who was also working in the pit, was injured.
Always conduct examinations of highwalls to identify loose ground or unstable conditions before work begins and as changing ground conditions warrant. Ensure that the person conducting the examination has the training and experience to recognize potential hazards. Prohibit work or travel in areas where hazards from unstable ground have not been corrected. Discuss work procedures and identify all hazards associated with the work to be performed along with the methods to protect personnel. Stop, Look, Analyze, Manage ( SLAM )
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Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future. Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number. |
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This is the 7th fatality reported in calendar year 2006 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2005, there were 9 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st Fall of Highwall fatality in 2006. There were no Fall of Highwall fatalities in the same period in 2005.
The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident
Investigation Report