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Full Details

Surname
WILLETTS
Forename
Joseph
Day
19
Month
07
Year
1909
Age
40
Occupation
Loader
Mine/Quarry Name
New Hawne
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
S. Garrett & Sons
Location
Halesowen
County
Worcestershire
Details of Event
Deceased was standing at the mouth of a head in the Thick Coal, assisting his loader to fill a tub. The lead was 4ft. wide and 5ft in height, and a nob or pillar of coal lift 11ft. broad intervened between it and the shut or gob. The coal which formed the side of the head was very soft and friable, and pushed in off a slip letting down the roof coal which killed deceased instantly. I was of opinion that the accident might have been prevented by proper timberings but the doggie and stallman considered it safe. The Coroner's jury found ‘that no blame attached to anyone but in future we think, as a precaution, a little more timber should be used.’ There was plenty of spare timber near the place.