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COAL MINE FATALITY - - On Friday, July 9, 2010, a 61-year old production foreman with 33 years mining experience was fatally injured when he was struck by a battery-powered ram car. The victim was last seen in the No. 6 entry just outby the intersection at crosscut No. 107. This intersection and adjoining crosscuts were being used to gain access to the ratio feeder located in the No. 5 entry.

Diagram of Accident Scene Described in the Paragraph Above

Best Practices

  • Install proximity detection systems on mobile face equipment. See the proximity detection single source page on the MSHA web site.
  • Use approved translucent check curtains designed to allow mobile equipment to tram through.
  • Sound audible warnings when making turns, reversing directions, approaching ventilation curtains, and any time the operator's visibility is obstructed. The sound level of audible warnings must be significantly higher than that of ambient noise.
  • Be aware of blind spots when travelling in mobile equipment travel ways.
  • Communicate your position and intended movements to mobile equipment 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 41st fatality reported in calendar year 2010 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2009, there were eight fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the third fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2010. At this time in 2009, there were four fatalities in this classification.

    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