Accident Report: Fatality Reference
PDF Version
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Saturday, March 17, 2012, a 55-year-old surface foreman with 19 years of mining experience was killed when he was caught between the frame of a highwall miner transportation dolly and a front-end loader with a duck bill attachment.
Best Practices
- Never position yourself between equipment in motion and a stationary object. Always be aware of your location in relation to machine parts that have the ability to move.
- Ensure mobile equipment operators are aware of your location at all times.
- Maintain communication with mobile equipment operators when working in confined areas. Ensure that line of sight, background noise, or other conditions do not interfere with communication.
- Ensure miners are adequately trained for the task they are performing.
- Use a tow bar with adequate length and proper rating when towing heavy equipment.
- Make yourself more visible by wearing brightly-colored clothing or clothing that is distinguishable from surroundings.
Additional Information
This is the fifth fatality reported in calendar year 2012 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2011 there were two fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the first fatality classified as a Machinery accident in 2012. At this time in 2011, there was no fatality in this classification.