METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 12, 1998, a 45-year old quality control manager with 22 years mining experience was fatally injured at a limestone mill. The victim was working inside a building located under a bin and conveyor. The bin failed, releasing 500 tons of material onto the building. The roof collapsed, burying the victim.

• Bins should be inspected routinely for signs of structural fatigue.

This is the 44th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 54 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the second fatality classified as Falling/Sliding Material in 1998. There were two Falling/Sliding Material fatalities 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