Accident Report: Fatality Reference
PDF Version
September 5, 2019 - Fatality Alert.pdf
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MINE FATALITY ALERT – On September 5, 2019, a continuous mining machine helper was fatally injured when he was struck by a battery-powered scoop. The victim was in the #3 entry behind a wing curtain that provided ventilation to the #3 right crosscut being mined. The scoop was trammed through the #3 left crosscut and struck the victim as it made a right-hand turn and passed through the wing curtain.
Best Practices
- Install and maintain proximity detection systems on mobile section equipment.
- Before operating mobile equipment, inform miners of your travel route – especially if changes are being made. Proceed with caution and watch for miners on foot.
- STOP and SOUND an audible warning device before tramming equipment through ventilation curtains.
- STAY ALERT around mobile section equipment. Communicate your presence and intended movements to equipment operators.
- Use transparent curtains for ventilation controls on working sections.
- Be aware that noise can cause moving equipment to not be heard.
Additional Information
This is the 18th mining fatality reported in 2019, and the sixth mining fatality classified as “powered haulage.”