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Case study · MSHA Record #219851260104
Drill Helper fatality
April 25, 1985 at 4:15 PM
Elk Mills Quarry
· D M Stoltzfus
· Cecil County, MD
Investigator narrative
THE DRILL HELPER WAS FATALLY INJURED WHEN A PORTION OF THE HIGHWALL, HE WAS STANDING ON, FAILED. THE I-R,T-4 DRILL WAS SET-UP AND DRILLING THE LAST HOLE ON THE DRILL PATTERN. THE VICTIM LEAND OVER A BOULDER THAT WAS AT THE RIM OF THE HIGH WALL TO CHECK THE HIGHWALL FRO MOVEMENT, WHEN THAT SECTION OF THE WALL FAILED AND THE VICTIM FELL 72 FEET TO THE BENCH BELOW.
Record details
- Classification
- FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
- Accident type
- Fall to lower level, NEC
- Activity at time
- Enter/Work In Bins, Silos
- Subunit / location
- STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT
- Source of injury
- GROUND
- Nature of injury
- MULTIPLE INJURIES
- Body part affected
- MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)
- Total mining experience
- 3 years
- Experience in this job
- 3 years
- Mine type
- Surface
- Sector
- Metal/Non-Metal
Similar incidents in MSHA records
· same classification: FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
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August 24, 2026 · Haynes Materials Company · CT · Driller
situation still under investigation so far information gathered is startled worker tripped and broke spine, further information still being gathered. Driller died after being struck by falling rocks.
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May 19, 2026 · Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC · PA · Laborer
Employee was setting a post at 24xcut in 7 South #6 track entry, to barricade off an area of concern. While tightening up a post a piece of rock dislodged from the upper portion of the rib and fell striking the employee. The employee suffered fatal injuries as a result of this event.
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February 28, 2025 · Marfork Coal Company, LLC · WV · Bull Gang Foreman
EE had been jack hammering to set a water trap for seals and traded off with coworker to take a break went over to rib sat down when rib roll 68"L x 24" W x 8" T came off at spad #3002/7483 on EE striking EE in the chest and abdomen area.