METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On February 1, 1999, a 33-year-old maintenance worker with 9 years and 9 months mining experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim and a co-worker were dismantling a section of the boom on a crane preparatory to adding a section. The boom was lowered a few feet above the ground without being secured or supported in any manner. When the victim removed the second of four pins, the boom collapsed, crushing him.

• Maintenance should not be performed unless components are blocked against hazardous motion.

• The manufacturer's guidelines for adding boom sections should be consulted and followed.

• Mine operators should plan all tasks to eliminate exposure to possible hazards.

This is the fifth fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were five fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Machinery in 1999. There were no Machinery fatalities in the same period in 1998.

MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report