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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, April 21, 2005, a 22-year old contractor employee (Field Service Technician), with 27 months total experience, was fatally injured while repairing a Caterpillar 980 G front-end loader. The victim was working in the articulation area of the front-end loader when it unexpectedly pivoted, crushing the victim within the pinch point.

Photo of Accident Scene Photo of Accident Scene


Best Practices

  • Never work or travel in the loader's articulation area without engaging the steering frame lock or without using another effective means of preventing motion if the lock cannot be used.
  • Lower the bucket and shut-off the machine before performing maintenance.
  • Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommended procedures for safe repair and maintenance of equipment.
  • Observe and follow all warning labels and signs on equipment.
  • Include safe procedures for repair and maintenance of equipment in training programs.
More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program 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 fourth fatality reported during calendar year 2005 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2004, there were nine fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the second fatality classified as powered haulage in 2005. There were three fatalities in this category at this time in 2004.

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:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report



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