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COAL MINE FATALITY - At approximately 6:30 am, on March 9, 2008, an idle Sunday, (5) five miners were scheduled to perform train load-out duty. One of the miners walked outside the warehouse and was injured when he fell, slipping on "black ice." He underwent surgery for the injury at a regional medical center and was subsequently released. However, the miner died on April 4, 2008 as result of the complications of the surgical procedure that was performed to remedy the work related injury.

Photograph of accident scene described in paragraph above


Best Practices
  • Wear shoes or boots that provide good traction on snow and ice, such as rubber and neoprene soles. Avoid plastic and leather soles. If available, wear a shoe traction device for ice and snow.
  • Walk on cleared walkways.
  • Walk cautiously on freshly fallen snow, ice may be underneath.
  • Do not walk with your hands in your pockets. This practice reduces the ability to use your arms for balance and hinders the ability to catch yourself.
  • Carry only necessary items. Heavy or bulky items can cause loss of balance.
  • Use care when entering and exiting vehicles. If possible, place both feet on the surface before standing and use the vehicle for support.
  • Be alert for black ice. Remember, elevated walkways and bridges freeze first.
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 27th coal mine fatality reported in calendar year 2008. In 2007, there were six coal mine fatalities for the same period of the accident occurrence. This was the 1st slip/fall fatality in 2008. There were no slip/fall 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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