Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government.

Fatality Alert - Fatality #16 - October 5, 2013

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

FAB13C16.pdf (174.43 KB)

COAL MINE FATALITY - On Saturday, October 5, 2013, a 47-year-old laborer with approximately 15 years of mining experience, was killed when the battery powered personnel carrier he was driving overturned and pinned him underneath the vehicle.

Photo of accident scene

Best Practices

  • Operate all powered haulage, along with trailers and sleds, at speeds consistent with conditions and the equipment used.
  • Control equipment so that it can be stopped within the limits of visibility.
  • Maintain off-track haulage roadways from bottom irregularities, debris, and wet or muddy conditions that affect the control of the equipment.
  • Sound audible warnings when making turns, reversing directions, approaching ventilation curtains, and any time the operator’s visibility is obstructed. Ensure the sound level of audible warnings is significantly higher than that of ambient noise.
  • Maintain mechanical steering and control devices to provide positive control at all times.
  • Provide all self-propelled rubber-tired haulage equipment with well-maintained brakes, lights, and warning devices.

Additional Information

This is the 16th fatality reported in calendar year 2013 for the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2012, there were 16 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 4th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2013. At this time in 2012, there were 3 fatalities in this classification.