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Full Details

Surname
RIGG
Forename
John
Day
09
Month
04
Year
1906
Age
23
Occupation
Quarryman
Mine/Quarry Name
Mossrigg Quarry
Mineral Worked
Roofing Slate
Owner
James Stephenson & Co.
Location
Coniston
County
Lancashire
Details of Event
Deceased and James Capstick, were drilling a hole in the quarry face at a point 35 yards above the quarry floor. Their stage consisted of three planks, 5 feet long, 12 inches broad and 2 inches thick. These planks were supported by two iron bars termed nogs 3 feet 4 inches and 3 feet 1 inches long respectively and 1 inch in diameter. The nogs were inserted and wedged in a hole 6 inches deep, which had been drilled specially for the purpose by deceased and Capstick, who subsequently fixed the stage. They had been drilling about an hour when the staging gave way. One of the men had a miraculous escape; in falling he mechanically clutched at a rope which was hanging close to him, and eventually he was able to slide to the bottom uninjured. The other man received terrible injuries and died as he was being removed home. Investigation showed that the rock in which one of the nogs was inserted had given way. Accidents of this type are rare in this district, as the rock is usually of a strong and solid character. Ropes are provided for the men to use when working on the quarry face and two ropes were actually hanging within reach, but they had neglected to attach themselves.