skip navigational links http://www.dol.gov www.msha.gov United States Department of Labor
A to Z Index | Find It! in DOL |            [skip navigational links]     Search MSHA's Website   Search MSHA
 
Printer Friendly Version (Contains All Graphics)

COAL MINE FATALITY - On Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at 2:00 p.m., a 64-year truck driver with 35 years experience was hauling a load of stemming material to a drill bench at a surface anthracite mine. While descending into the pit, the truck traveled through a berm, over an embankment, and came to rest on the driver's side. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and received fatal injuries.

Photo of Accident Scene described in summary above.


Best Practices

  • Ensure traffic rules, signals, and warning signs are posted and obeyed.
  • Operate mobile equipment so that you maintain control.
  • Always wear a seat belt when operating mobile equipment.
  • Ensure adequate pre-operational examinations are conducted on all mobile equipment and defects affecting safety are promptly corrected prior to placing it in service.
  • Before beginning a task, miners should discuss the work procedures, identify all possible hazards, and ensure steps are taken to safely perform the task.
  • Exercise caution and operate mobile equipment in the appropriate gear at speeds consistent with conditions and grades of the roadway.
  • Always obtain Operator's Manuals and Service Manuals for all mobile equipment and ensure their use by mechanics and operators.
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 18th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2004, there were 26 fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the eighth fatality classified as powered haulage in 2005. There were nine 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



Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Accessibility | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us