COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, February 15, 1999, a surface blasting accident occurred to a 55-year old area resident who was not employed at the mine. The victim rode an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on an access trail located on his property to approximately 100 feet down slope from the charged shot and apparently began walking in that direction. His body was later found approximately 60 feet up slope from the parked ATV near the edge of the blasted material.

• Areas in which charged holes are awaiting firing shall be guarded, or barricaded and posted, or flagged against unauthorized entry.

• Ample warning shall be given before blasts are fired. All persons shall be cleared and removed from the blasting area unless suitable blasting shelters are provided.

• Special precautions shall be taken to ensure that all roadways and regularly traveled trails are blocked or guarded to prevent persons unaware of an impending blast from entering the blast area.

This is the fourth coal mine fatality in 1999. As of February 15th of last year there had been four fatalities. This death is the first classified as Explosives in 1999.

For more information:

MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C04]