Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health Report of Investigation: Surface Nonmetal Mine (Limestone) Fatal Falling Material Accident, December 23, 2010, Austin Powder Company, Contractor I.D. No. E24 at Mid-Coast Aggregates LLC-Mazak Mine, Mid-Coast Aggregates LLC, Webster, Sumter County, Florida, Mine I.D. No. 08-01282

摘要

Kenneth J. Stephens Jr., contract blaster, age 35 was killed on December 23, 2010, while conducting a post-blast examination. After firing a blast, he walked immediately to the blast site to examine the shot material. He was standing to the east of the shot material when the ground collapsed, engulfing him in the water filled pit. The accident occurred because mine and blasting contractor management policies, procedures, and controls were inadequate. A large cavity had been detected in the drill pattern on December 17, 2010. However, neither mine nor contract management established any policies, procedures, or controls to ensure that persons could safely perform work at the blast site. The full extent of the cavity was not known before the blast was initiated.