METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 23, 1998, a 44-year old shift manager with 22 years mining experience was fatally injured at a taconite plant. The victim was checking a water line when he noticed a leak around a recently installed rubber bladder which was in a poor state of repair. He pumped additional air into the bladder, causing it to rupture.

• Equipment should not be used beyond the design capacity intended by the manufacturer.

• Defects on equipment, machinery, and tools that affect safety should be immediately corrected.

• Prior to a miner performing a new task, safety and health training for that task should be given.

This is the 36th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 46 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the second fatality classified as Exploding Vessels Under Pressure in 1998. There was one Exploding Vessels Under Pressure fatality in the same period in 1997. (Please note the 1997 final fatality count was changed from 60 to 61 after the close of the calendar year).

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report