Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Near Miss Info-Gram
JANUARY 2002
Miner Struck By A Coal Hauler
Recently, a coal hauler struck a miner at an underground mine in
District 8. The miner received contusions and felt back pain, but
he did not suffer any lost time. The miner was building a metal
stopping between an isolation entry and a return entry on a main
line super-unit. The pull-through ventilation curtains were still
up. While the miner was installing the last clips on the metal
stopping, the equipment operator backed the coal hauler into the
crosscut and through the pull-through curtain striking the miner.
Subsequently, this action propelled the miner into the metal
stopping. The customary warning sticks had not been placed on
either side of the crosscut.
BEST PRACTICES
- Always install warning indicators on both sides of crosscuts
where work is to be done.
- Support or maintenance personnel should communicate with
co-workers when they are going to perform duties on a working
section.
- Always give adequate audible warnings before tramming
equipment into areas where visibility is blocked or
diminished.
This information was provided by concerned
miners in an effort to eliminate accidents. Accident or "close
call" information within District 8 may be shared by contacting
the MSHA office at (812) 882-7617.
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