Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health Report of Investigation: Underground Nonmetal Mine (Marble). Fatal Fall of Rood Accident, October 17, 2008. Marble Hill Mine O-N Minerals (Filler Products) Company, Ellijay, Gilmer County, Georgia,. Mine I.D. No. 09-01038

摘要

Tony A. Cruse, scaler operator, age 45, was fatally injured on October 17, 2008, when a large rock fell from the roof crushing the cab of the track mounted excavator he was operating. Cruse was scaling a rib and roof in a heading of the mine when the rock fell from the roof. The accident occurred because management failed to follow established procedures to ensure that persons could safely scale the roof. The height of the heading exceeded the mining height established in the mines ground support plan. This additional height required scaling to be performed from a location that exposed the scaler operator to the hazard of being positioned under loose material. Management was aware that ground conditions were adverse in the area of the accident. In August 2008, management had investigated a roof fall that occurred in an adjacent heading. This fall destroyed a scaler and injured one person. No additional controls, as recommended by a consulting firm, were implemented.