Power Shovel Operator fatality

October 17, 2008 at 10:10 AM

Imerys Ellijay Marble Hill Mine · O-N Minerals (Filler Products) Company · Gilmer County, GA

Investigator narrative

Victim was scaling in level 9 north 8 when a large rock fell from the roof crushing the cab of the scale machine causing fatal injuries. The accident is still under investigation by MSHA and the mine operator. The root cause analysis is not complete at this time.

Record details

Classification: FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Accident type: Struck by falling object
Activity at time: Power Shovel, Dragline
Subunit / location: UNDERGROUND
Source of injury: CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE
Nature of injury: CRUSHING
Total mining experience: 8.06 years
Experience at this mine: 8.06 years
Experience in this job: 4.56 years
Mine type: Underground
Sector: Metal/Nonmetal

Similar incidents in MSHA records· same classification: FALL OF ROOF OR BACK

April 2, 2026 · Marfork Coal Company · WV · Shuttle Car Operator, Mantrip Operator, Ramcar Operator, Rail Runner, Buggy Operator
Employee was setting timbers for the next retreat mining lift inby spad 21417 when the slab cut entry that was previously cut fell to the roof bolts causing draw rock to strike the employee. Employee was coherent and alert while being transported outside. During transportation to medical facility they suffered a…
September 2, 2025 · Heidelberg Materials Northeast LLC · PA · Blaster, Shooter, Shotfirer, Explosive Worker, Powder Gang/Monkey
The EE was loading lifters when a piece of rock (approx. 4'x 5' x 2') fell from the ceiling and struck the EE. The EE was not pinned under the rock. This resulted in a fatal accident.
July 12, 2025 · Nyrstar Tennessee Mines, Strawberry Plains LLC · TN · Scoop Tram Operator, Load/Haul/Dump Operator
Operator was conducting remoting activities in an area known as the 2025 area when a large rock contacted the cab. Operator was found in the cab out past the designated no-go line and sustained fatal injuries.