METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On November 4, 1998, a miner with 10 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground mine. The victim was drilling the face when material fell from the rib and crushed him.

• Ground conditions should be tested after blasting, as well as prior to drilling.

• Ground conditions which are hazardous to persons should be scaled or supported prior to any other work commencing.

• When manual scaling is required, a scaling bar of sufficient length should be provided for all work areas.

This is the 45th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 57 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Fall of Rib/Face in 1998. There were two Fall of Rib/Face 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