METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 29, 1998, a 57-year old mechanic with over 36 years of mining experience was fatally injured at a stone quarry. The victim had crawled under a conveyor belt in order to adjust an alignment roller on the other side. His arms were caught and drawn between the roller and the belt. The conveyor was not provided with a crossover.

• Crossovers should be provided where it is necessary to cross conveyor belts.

• When adjustments of equipment are performed while the equipment is running, persons should be effectively protected.

This is the 20th 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