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COAL MINE FATALITY - - On Thursday, January 27, 2011, a 19 year old underground miner with fifteen weeks of mining experience was killed when he became caught between the "V" shaped coal discharge guides adjacent to the discharge roller of the section conveyor belt. Both belt conveyors were operating at the time of the accident.



Photo of Reconstructed Accident Scene - Discharge Roller Guarding Removed for Picture
Photo of Reconstructed Accident Scene - Discharge Roller Guarding Removed for Picture

Best Practices

  • Train all employees thoroughly on the dangers of working or traveling around moving conveyor belts.
  • Never attempt to cross a moving belt conveyor, except at suitable cross-overs or cross-unders.
  • Install proper belt cross-overs and/or cross-unders at strategic locations, when height allows.
  • Be aware of locations where new miners are working or intend to travel.
  • Provide belt conveyor stop and start controls at areas where miners must access both sides of the conveyor. These areas should be provided with adequate crossing facilities (e.g. cross-overs or cross-unders).
  • Install adequate guarding at all conveyor belt pinch point locations.

    • 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 first fatality reported during calendar year 2011 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2010, there were two fatalities reported in coal mining. This fatality is classified as a Powered Haulage accident. At this time in 2010, there were no fatalities reported 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