Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978
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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 |
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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Sunday, March 10, 1996, a section foreman and a mine foreman were examining the bleeder system of a longwall section. As the two supervisors were traveling up roof fall material into a resupported roof fall cavity, they encountered an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Both lost consciousness and collapsed. However the mine foreman, who was at a lower level, regained consciousness and traveled outby seeking help. The section foreman asphyxiated. Investigators believe high concentrations of methane had accumulated in the roof cavity, reducing the oxygen content. This is the eigth coal mine fatality in 1996. As of March 10, of last year there had been 3 fatalities. This is the first classified as OTHER (Asphyxiation) in 1996.  Plan View of the accident sceneFor more information: Related Program Information Bulletin:
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MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96C08]