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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, August 13, 2007, a 37-year old surface operations coordinator with 12 years of experience was climbing down a 6.5-ft. permanent vertical ladder when he fell/slipped from the second rung, falling approximately 18 inches to the concrete floor. He landed on both feet, stumbled and fell on his back. The victim was transported to a local emergency room with back pain. On December 18, 2007, back surgery was performed as a result of the injury. The victim passed away in the hospital on December 19, 2007.

Photo of Accident Site


Best Practices
  • Always maintain 3-point contact when climbing up or down ladders.
  • Always use caution when climbing up or down ladders, regardless of the height.
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 was the 34th fatality recorded during calendar year 2007 in the coal mining industry. As of the accident date in 2006, there were 38 fatalities reported in coal mining. This was the fifth fatality classified as Slip or Fall of Person in 2007. There were no fatalities in this category at this time 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



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