METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY- On April 30, 1998, a 40-year old crusher operator was killed at a stone quarry. The victim was standing at the opening of a jaw crusher which was operating, using a sledge hammer to break or dislodge rocks which would not go through the crusher. Either the handle broke or he dropped the hammer into the crusher, causing the hammer head to be ejected from the crusher and strike him in the face.

• Maintenance of machinery should be performed only after the power is off and the machinery is blocked against movement.
  
• Personnel should be trained in safe work procedures.

This is the 19th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 27 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the seventh fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1998. There were 12 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1997.

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report