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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY- On May 10, 1999, a 60-year-old laborer with 22 years mining experience was fatally injured at a surface dimension stone quarry. The victim was picking up tools lying on the quarry bench within a few feet of where forklifts were removing a block of granite from the highwall. The block being removed bumped the highwall and a fractured slab of rock fell, striking the victim.

Best Practices

  • Mine operators should design work tasks to insure miners are not required to perform work where they are exposed to injury from loose, fractured rock.

  • Ground conditions that create a hazard to persons should be taken down or supported before other work or travel is permitted in the affected area.


This is the 17th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 23 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the sixth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 1999. There were eight Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 1998.

For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report



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