METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 21, 1997, a contractor mechanic was killed at a limestone quarry. The employee was in the process of repairing a loader bucket. He was working off a step ladder placed between the loader bucket and the loader frame. He apparently disconnected the hydraulic controls which allowed the pivot arm to fall and strike him. He died from sustained injuries. This is the 23rd fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 14 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as hand tools in 1997. There were no hand tools fatalities during the same period in 1996.

MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M23]