On March 20, 2012, a 54 year-old mine owner with approximately 25 years of experience was killed at an underground gemstone mine. He was cleaning fine ore with a shovel and loading it in the bucket of a front-end loader when rock fell from the top left rib about 20 feet high. The victim was working alone.

• Examine work areas and identify and control all hazards before starting any work.
• Establish safe work procedures and train all persons to recognize and understand these procedures.
• Always examine, sound, and test for loose ground in areas before starting to work, after blasting, and as ground conditions warrant.
• Test for loose material frequently during work activities and where necessary, scale loose material safely.
• Install ground support in roof and ribs where conditions warrant.
• Do not perform work alone in any area where hazardous conditions exist that would endanger your safety.