Ledgeman/Hand

Nobody saw the accident and we have not been able to interview the EE

On January 19, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Joseph Jaworski, Sr., a 71-year-old mill saw operator with 32 years of experience, was injured when an unsecured marble slab struck him. On April 2, 2026, Jaworski died from complications related to those injuries. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not properly store and support materials to prevent fall-of-material hazards.

1. The mine operator did not properly store and support materials to prevent fall-of-material hazards.

   Corrective action: The mine operator installed a new concrete pad with metal tracks and bars so that marble slabs can be properly stored and to prevent fall-of-material hazards to miners working in the area (Appendix A).

Read the full report (PDF)

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

LAST OPEN CROSSCUT

Mining method

Other

Accident type

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Source of injury

MISCELLANEOUS,(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

32 years

Experience at this mine

32 years

Experience in this job

32 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY