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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, May 7, 1999, an electrician fell through an unguarded 26 inch by 26 inch opening at the top of a 36 inch diameter escape/ventilation shaft on the southeast side of the underground coal storage bunker. The victim was washing the area with a high pressure hose. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident. The victim was discovered by a co-worker on a platform, thirty feet and six inches below the top of the shaft. The victim received multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician.

MSHA Fatalgram Picture

BEST PRACTICES

  • Protect and guard all openings through which persons or material may fall.
  • Areas where persons are required to work or travel should be kept clear of all extraneous material and other stumbling or slipping hazards.
  • Regulate line pressure on water hoses to a safe and manageable working pressure.
  • Provide training to every person to recognize hazardous conditions in their work area.

This is the 12th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 9 fatalities. This is the first fatality classified as Fall of Person in 1999.

For more information:
MSHA Fatalgram Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C12]




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