Single Record

Full Details

Surname

POSTLETHWAITE

Forename

James

Day

04

Month

08

Year

1905

Age

68

Occupation

Clay River

Mine/Quarry Name

Burlington Quarry

Mineral Worked

Slate

Owner

Burlington Slate Works

Location

Kirkby-in-Furness

County

Lancashire

Details of Event

While deceased, whose employment consisted in splitting the blocks of slates into smaller pieces called clogs was engaged in boring a hole in a large block, which had been moved into position by a 0.25lb. shot two days before, and was at the time lying on the floor of the quarry several lumps of slate fell from 10 yards above him, and he was caught while attempting to escape by a piece weighing about 3cwt and although he was not fastened one of his legs was nearly severed from his body and he only lived 20 minutes. He had nearly escaped when he slipped and fell, possibly owing to clogs. About three months before the accident a heavy shot containing about two and a half quarter barrels of gunpowder had been fired at the place dislodging many tons of rock; after the shot the face had been examined by workmen using ropes, and dressed down. The day before the accident had been very wet and the men were not at work. The rain continued all night and this may have loosened the stones. The manager had examined the face the day before the accident noticed nothing unsafe.