Accident Report: Fatality Reference
PDF Version
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, May 30, 2008, a general inside laborer with four weeks experience was fatally injured when he was struck by a battery powered scoop. The victim was assisting two other miners repair a haul road. The scoop operator had just changed out the scoop batteries and picked up a load of gravel. The victim was traveling on foot and was being followed by the scoop and a diesel road grader. While in route, the scoop operator inadvertently struck the victim causing fatal injuries.
Best Practices
- Remain a safe distance from moving equipment until it has passed.
- Walk behind moving mobile equipment when traveling in the same entry.
- When operating mobile equipment, ensure that other workers are in a safe area before moving the equipment.
- When necessary to walk or work in the area of moving mobile equipment, wear reflective clothing to ensure a high visibility.
- Always assume the mobile equipment operator has not seen you unless eye contact is confirmed.
Additional Information
This is the eleventh fatality reported during calendar year 2008 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2007, there were seven fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the fourth fatality classified as powered haulage in 2008. There were no fatalities in this category at this time in 2007.