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COAL MINE FATALITY -On Monday, May 17,1999, a miner at a surface anthracite mine was working as a hydraulic excavator (shovel) operator, loading haul trucks from a spoil material pile. The miner was preparing to load a haul truck when the spoil pile unexpectedly collapsed onto the shovel, covering most of the machine including the operator's compartment. The miner received fatal injuries.

MSHA - Fatalgram Picture

BEST PRACTICES

  • The mine operator should develop an adequate ground control plan based on prudent engineering design and follow it to insure safe working conditions.

  • Highwalls, banks, benches, and terrain sloping into the working areas are to be examined for hazardous conditions and hazardous areas shall be scaled before any other work is performed in the area.

  • Operators of mobile equipment should position their equipment to provide the greatest protection for the equipment operator from failure of the highwall or spoil bank.

This is the 13th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 9 fatalities. This is the third fatality classified as FALL OF HIGHWALL in 1999.

For more information:
MSHA Fatalgram Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C13]




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