Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 39-year old continuous mining machine helper, with approximately 4 years of mining experience, was killed when he was struck by a loaded shuttle car. The victim was in the No.7 Entry between crosscuts No.37 and No.38, repairing a ventilation curtain. This entry and adjoining crosscuts were being used to gain access to the ratio feeder, which was located in the No.6 Entry.
Best Practices
- Before performing work in an active haulage travelway, stop mobile equipment until work has been completed and communicate your position and intended movements to mobile equipment operators.
- Use approved transparent ventilation curtains to improve visibility.
- Operate mobile equipment at safe speeds and 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.
- Place visible warning devices at all entrances to areas where work is to be performed in the active travelway of mobile equipment.
- Be aware of blind spots when traveling in the same areas where mobile equipment operates.
- Install proximity detection systems on mobile face equipment.
- Always wear reflective clothing, or use permissible personal flashing lights, to ensure high visibility when necessary to walk or work where moving equipment operates
For more information related to struck-by equipment accidents view the following link: MSHA - Safety Targets Program - Hit By Underground Equipment at www.msha.gov
Additional Information
This is the 46th fatality reported in calendar year 2010 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2009 there were 14 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 7th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2010. At this time in 2009, there were 7 fatalities in this classification.