• Mine operators must insure that all persons are adequately trained before operating mobile equipment


• Safe work practices for repair and maintenance work should be developed and all affected persons should be trained in the procedures prior to performing the work.


• Always be aware of your location and route of escape when positioned within the range of motion of mobile equipment.


• Make sure all persons are clear before starting or moving equipment.


• Always utilize recommended lock-out procedures when leaving the controls of mobile equipment.

	Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future. Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

This is the 27^th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were 42 fatalities. This is the 5^th fatality classified as Machinery in 2002. At this time in 2001 there were four fatal accidents classified as "Machinery" for the coal mining industry.

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This bulletin is part of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) program to alert the mining industry in a timely manner of a tragic loss of life in the mines. We encourage you to consider the above information as you make safety decisions for or recommendations to your company or constituency. The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report