The blade shattering is actually pretty common. (Funny timing, though.)
That style fan really doesn't DO a whole lot though, even when they're working. I 2nd replacing it with Fantastic or Maxx Air type fans. They actually work.
If you don't want to spend as much money and don't care about the extra features that Fantastic and Maxx Air have, here are a couple less expensive options:
Vortex 1 (single speed)Vortex 2 (multiple speeds with reverse)The quality of those isn't as good as Fantastic or Maxx Air, but they're far more effective than the little fan with the shattering blades. (I put one in the bathroom of my trailer. I have a Fantastic Fan in the main area though.)