While changing worn cutter head bits at the front of the Salem Multi-head coal auger machine, a Foreman was struck by a rock approximately 4 feet by 5 feet by 30 inches that fell from the bottom section of the highwall. The Whitley County coroner pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. An accident investigation is being conducted by MSHA and in conjunction with the Kentucky Division of Mine Safety (KDMS).
Fatality #4 - March 30, 2017
This posting serves to provide a public notice to employees of the mine, employees of the mining company(s), employees of independent contractors with any connection to the mine, persons with any connection to the mine, and any person with information regarding the cause or contributing factors of this accident.
Please provide any information to:
David Faulkner, Lead Accident Investigator
Phone: 606.627.3624
While changing worn cutter head bits at the front of the Salem Multi-head coal auger machine, a Foreman was struck by a rock approximately 4 feet by 5 feet by 30 inches that fell from the bottom section of the highwall. The Whitley County coroner pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. An accident investigation is being conducted by MSHA and in conjunction with the Kentucky Division of Mine Safety (KDMS).
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, March 30, 2017, at 2:09 am, a 33-year-old miner (auger operator/foreman) was fatally injured at a surface auger mine. The miner was struck by a rock that fell from the bottom section of the highwall while changing worn cutter-head bits located at the front of the auger machine. The rock was approximately 4 feet by 5 feet by 30 inches in size.
CAI-2017-04
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
REPORT OF INVESTIGATION
Surface Coal Mine
(Auger Operation)