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Fatality Alert - Fatality #13 - August 8, 2011

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab11c13.pdf (58.7 KB)

COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, August 8, 2011, a 41-year-old longwall mechanic with nine years of mining experience was killed when he was struck in the chest by a piece of metal from the top of a base lift jack mounted on a longwall shield. The jack catastrophically failed resulting in the end cap separating from the cylinder and striking the victim.

metal piece at the base of a lift jack on a longwall shield

Best Practices

  • Do not alter hydraulic circuits in a manner that could result in the trapping of pressurized hydraulic fluid.
  • When isolating hydraulic components for repair, ensure that the hydraulic system has a means to bleed the pressure from the components being repaired.
  • Evaluate potential energy sources before working in tight spaces. Click on the following link for more information: MSHA - SLAM Risks the Smart Way - Safety and Health Outreach Program Home Page
  • Ensure re-built components meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
  • Ensure miners are adequately trained in proper maintenance procedures and plan requirements.
  • Examine and periodically inspect all hydraulic components for defects.
  • Ensure the ratings of hydraulic components are compatible with their intended use.

Additional Information

This is the twelfth fatality reported during calendar year 2011 in the coal mining industry. This is the fourth fatality classified as a Machinery accident in 2011. Forty-two coal mine fatalities occurred in 2010 within the same period. Three machinery fatalities occurred in 2010 in the same time period.