skip navigational linksDepartment of Labor Seal U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978		 Photos representing the mining workforce
www.msha.gov
[skip navigational links]Search MSHA Advanced Options | A to Z | Help
Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance |    
Printer Friendly Version (Contains All Graphics)

COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a 34-year-old Utility Man with 7 months of mining experience was fatally injured while operating a battery-powered scoop. While tramming the scoop to the surface, a plank, 3 inches thick by 9 inches wide by 12 feet long, entered the operator's compartment striking and fatally crushing the victim.

Photo of Accident Scene Described in Paragraph Above

Best Practices
  • Conduct thorough preshift examinations to determine the presence of any hazards in areas where mobile equipment is to be operated.
  • Examine active roadways as often as necessary to ensure safety, particularly when hauling loose materials.
  • Maintain all haulage ways and travel ways free of extraneous materials that may pose a hazard to equipment operators, passengers or miners.
  • Emphasize safe operating procedures for equipment and maintenance of roadways in all 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 33rd fatality reported during calendar year 2006 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2005, there were five fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the fifth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2006.

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