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Fatality Alert - Fatality #14 - September 11, 2012

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab12c14.pdf (76.42 KB)

COAL MINE FATALITY - On September 11, 2012, at approximately 10:15 a.m., a fatal accident occurred while moving longwall equipment at the Drummond Company, Inc., Shoal Creek Mine. A 28 year old miner was killed when he was crushed between the coal rib and a large power center, weighing approximately 30 tons.

mine power center

Best Practices

  • Prior to beginning any work activity, train the miners to perform the task-at-hand safely.
  • STAY OUT of areas where clearance is tight (pinch points) and visibility is limited when haulage equipment is being operated to move large equipment and/or components.
  • Ensure that equipment operators establish good communications between themselves and other miners that may be working around or near their equipment.
  • While moving equipment, ensure that all persons are located safely out of the route of travel, especially with limited visibility.
  • Ensure that all large equipment and/or components are secured adequately to prevent unintended motion when being moved.
  • Inspect the mine floor properly in areas where large equipment and/or components will be transported to identify any irregularities that may cause unexpected movement of the equipment and/or components being moved, or with the machinery being operated to move the equipment.

Additional Information

This is the fourteenth fatality reported in calendar year 2012 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2011 there were thirteen fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the third fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2012. At this time in 2011, there were three fatalities in this classification.