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COAL MINE FATALITY - On September 19, 2008, a 61 year-old dozer operator with 40 years of experience was injured at a surface mine. The victim was pushing reclamation material down a steep grade when the open cab dozer slid on broken rock, turned left and rolled over the hill. The dozer, with operator in the cab, made four revolutions and came to rest on its left side at the bottom of the approximate 180' slope. The operator was wearing a seat belt but sustained serious injuries. He was hospitalized and subsequently died on October 4, 2008.

Photo of accident scene described in paragraph above


Best Practices
  • Routinely monitor work habits and examine work areas to ensure that safe work procedures are followed.
  • Ensure equipment operators receive proper task training.
  • Conduct a thorough visual examination of highwalls and spoil banks immediately before any work is performed and thereafter as conditions warrant.
  • Consult the owner's manual to determine operator skills and use of proper equipment when operating in extreme slope conditions.
  • Maintain all window glass clean and in good repair.
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 22nd coal mine fatality reported in calendar year 2008. In 2007, there were 25 coal mine fatalities for the same period. This is the 7th Machinery fatality in 2008. There were 2 Machinery fatalities for the same period in 2007.

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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