2002 Coal Fatal Alert Bulletins

1
2002 Coal Fatal Alert Bulletins
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
2
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-01
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, January 2,
2002, a 44-year old remote control continuous
mining machine operator with 23 years of mining
experience was fatally injured in a roof fall
accident. The victim was mining in the No. 2
right crosscut of the 7 headgate section when
roof rock measuring seven feet by five feet by
three to five inches in thickness fell in the
area where he was standing. The continuous mining
machine had sheared off 7 roof bolts when
starting this crosscut. The victim was operating
the machine while under this unsupported roof at
the time of the accident.
3
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-01
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia
4
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-01
FAC-C-01
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia

• Best Practices
• Never work or travel under unsupported roof
• Hang reflectors or other warning devices prior to
  mining.
• When operating a continuous mining machine with a
  remote control, always maintain a safe distance
  between you and the machine.
• Know and follow the provisions of the approved
  roof control plan.
• Avoid damage to roof support systems.

5
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Electrical - Underground - Virginia
FAC-C-02
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, January 24,
2002, a 43 year old general inside laborer was
fatally injured while performing electrical work
on the 12,470 volt underground power center
located on the 001-0 section. During retreat
mining a length of high voltage cable was
removed. Problems were encountered with
re-energizing the power at the substation on the
surface after the cable was re-stocked in the
section power center. The certified electrician
came outside to check on the problem. When power
was restored to the section it was discovered
that the phasing was wrong. Power was removed
from the section to correct the phasing. The
victim was working on the leads inside the power
center when the 001-0 section power was again
re-energized from the surface, resulting in a
fatal electrical accident.
6
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Electrical - Underground - Virginia
FAC-C-02
7
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Electrical - Underground - Virginia
FAC-C-02
FAC-C-02

• Best Practices
• Always lock and tag out before doing electrical
  work.
• Electrical work shall be performed by a qualified
  electrician or persons trained to do electrical
  work under the direct supervision of a qualified
  electrician.
• High voltage circuits must be grounded at all
  times while work is being performed.

8
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-03
Exploding Vessels - Surface - Virginia
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, January 28, 2002,
a clean coal filter drain pump exploded due to
steam build up within the pump, inflicting fatal
injuries to the fine coal operator at a
preparation plant of an underground mine. The
victim was standing approximately 8 feet away at
the on/off switch when the pump cover struck him.
The pump overheated after almost all liquids had
been pumped from the filter drain tank causing
the remaining fines to solidify, thus preventing
flow. The inlet and discharge lines then became
clogged with coal fines causing the pump to
become a closed pressure vessel.
9
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-03
Exploding Vessels - Surface - Virginia
10
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-03
Exploding Vessels - Surface - Virginia

• Best Practices
• For pumps which may overheat due to loss of
  fluids or from cavitation
• Provide pump housing with thermal sensing device
  that will de-energize the circuit.
• Provide pump with remotely located on/off
  controls.
• Never de-energize an overheated pump from close
  proximity.
• Install cut-off valves or other devices to
  prohibit back-flow of water into overheated
  pumps.

11
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-04
Powered Haulage - Underground - Kentucky
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, January,
31,2002, a miner with 11 years of mining
experience was fatally injured when he was hit by
a battery powered Stamler Uni-hauler. There were
no eye-witnesses, however immediately prior to
the accident, the victim was reportedly seen
walking from the No. 5 entry toward the No. 4
entry dragging a piece of ventilation curtain.
The operator of the Stamler Uni-hauler had just
pulled the equipment, battery end first, into the
No. 4 entry in order to turn the equipment and
start loading coal from the No. 5 entry. The
victim was discovered a short time later, lying
on the mine floor in the No. 4 entry, and
entangled in the piece of ventilation curtain.
12
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-04
Powered Haulage - Underground - Kentucky
13
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-04
Powered Haulage - Underground - Kentucky

• Best Practices
• Equipment operators should always insure that
  they maintain a safe distance between the
  equipment being operated and the other miners in
  the area.
• A warning should be sounded when the equipment
  operator's visibility is obstructed or when
  direction of travel is changed.
• Never position yourself in an area or location
  where equipment operators cannot readily see you.

14
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Roof Fall - Underground - Kentucky
FAC-C-05
COAL MINE FATALITY - On February 18, 2002 at
approximately 250 P.M., a 39 year old miner with
6 years and 10 months of mining experience was
fatally injured by a roof fall. The victim was
operating a single head "squirmer" type roof
bolting machine installing 42 inch fully grouted
resin bolts in the face of number 6 entry of the
003 mining section when the fall occurred. The
position of the roof bolting machine exposed him
to unsupported roof. The victim was struck by a
section of mine roof that measured approximately
21 feet by 19 feet 11 inches by 13 to 16 inches
thick.
15
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Roof Fall - Underground - Kentucky
FAC-C-05
16
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia
FAC-C-05

• Best Practices
• Never work or travel inby supported roof.
• Always know and follow your approved roof control
  plan which may have specialized provisions for
  certain bolting patterns.
• Always examine the roof, face and ribs
  immediately before any work is started and
  periodically as conditions warrant.

17
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia
FAC-C-06
COAL MINE FATALITY - - On Wednesday, February 20,
2002, a 53-year old roof bolting machine
operator, while helping on the continuous mining
machine, was fatally injured when he was struck
by rock from an unintentional roof fall. The
victim was helping the operator of the continuous
miner tram the machine into the intersection
after completing the last lift of the right
pillar block located in the No.4 Entry of the
002-0 section. The roof in the intersection fell
with little or no warning, resulting in fatal
injuries to the roof bolt machine operator, and
serious injuries to the mining machine operator.
The fall, consisting of unconsolidated rock
ranging from approximately 2 to 10 feet thick, 30
feet long and 30 feet wide, covered the
continuous mining machine and partially covered a
coal hauler located behind the continuous mining
machine.
18
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-06
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia
19
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-06
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia

• Best Practices
• Know and follow the provisions of the approved
  Roof Control Plan. Take additional measures to
  protect all persons if unusual hazards or
  conditions are encountered.
• Always examine the mine roof properly in your
  work area.
• Conduct proper pre shift and on shift
  examinations in all areas prior to mining.
• Always be alert for changing roof conditions.
• Never work or travel under unsupported roof.

20
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-07
Fall of Rib/Highwall - Surface - Wyoming
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, February 20,
2002, a 49-year old miner was killed by a fall of
rock from a highwall at a surface coal mine. The
miner was operating a Caterpillar Model 834
rubber tire bulldozer, cleaning the pit floor at
the No. 8 shovel, when rock and material fell
from the highwall striking the bulldozer. The
massive block of material crushed the cab causing
fatal injuries. The bulldozer was equipped with a
falling object protective structure (FOPS)/
rollover protective structure (ROPS), which was
not sufficient to prevent fatal injury to the
operator. The ROPS/FOPS and cab were removed
during recovery operations and are not visible in
the picture below.
21
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-07
Fall of Rib/Highwall - Surface - Wyoming
22
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-07
Fall of Rib/Highwall - Surface - Wyoming

• Best Practices
• Highwalls and work areas should be thoroughly
  examined for hazardous conditions and any loose
  material should be scaled from the highwall.
• Mining systems should ensure that equipment
  operating personnel's work or travel areas are a
  safe distance from the toe of the highwall.
• Personnel should be thoroughly trained in the
  requirements of the company's ground control
  plan.

23
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-08
Powered Haulage - Surface - Utah
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, February 27,
2002, a 43-year old truck driver, employed by an
independent trucking company, was fatally injured
while loading an over-the-road haul truck at a
surface load-out of an underground coal mine. The
driver had loaded coal into both of the 20-ton,
bottom-dump trailers that were connected to the
truck, but coal had spilled over the side of the
second trailer. The driver got out of the truck
to check the spillage, setting the tractor brakes
but not the trailer brakes. While he was outside,
the truck began moving down the road that had an
approximate 6 grade. The driver attempted to
re-enter the truck and was thrown from the truck,
and then hit by this same truck. The truck
traveled approximately 200 feet before striking a
hillside and coming to a rest. The driver had
about one year of experience as a truck driver,
and this was his first trip to the load-out where
the accident occurred.
24
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-08
Powered Haulage - Surface - Utah
25
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-08
Powered Haulage - Surface - Utah

• Best Practices
• Set all brakes before dismounting or leaving a
  truck.
• Know the truck's capabilities, operating ranges,
  load-limits and safety features.
• Provide hazard training for all new drivers at
  each mine site and load-out facility.
• Provide task training for all new task preformed
  by a miner.
• Block wheels to prevent movement when parking
  trucks on a steep grade.
• Know and understand safe self-loading procedures
  thoroughly.

26
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-09
Powered Haulage - Underground - Kentucky
COAL MINE FATALITY - On March 22, 2002, a 33 year
old section foreman was fatally injured when he
was caught between the conveyor boom of a
continuous mining machine and the coal rib. The
victim was using a remote control unit to tram
the machine when he was struck by the end of the
conveyor boom.
27
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-09
Powered Haulage - Underground - Kentucky
28
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
Powered Haulage - Underground - Kentucky
FAC-C-09

• Best Practices
• Continuous mining machine operators should never
  be located between the machine and the coal rib
  while the machine is being trammed from place to
  place by remote control.
• When moving continuous mining machines around
  corners, or in other instances where the left and
  right traction drives are operated independently,
  low tram speed should be used.
• The pump motor should be de-energized, and all
  machine motion stopped, when the trailing cable
  or water line has to be repositioned in close
  proximity to the continuous mining machine.

29
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-10
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, April 10,
2002, a 33 year old continuous mining machine
operator, with approximately 9 years mining
experience, was fatally injured in a roof fall
accident. A rock measuring 4 to 16 inches thick,
100 inches long, and 65 inches wide fell from the
mine roof pinning the miner operator against the
shuttle car tire. The rock fell at the mouth of
the No. 4 right crosscut, from an area inby the
last row of bolts, and cantilevered into the
bolted area where the miner operator was
standing.
30
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-10
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia
31
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-10
Roof Fall - Underground - West Virginia

• Best Practices
• Miners must know and follow the approved roof
  control plan
• Reflectors should be used to warn persons of
  hazardous areas
• All miners should receive hazard recognition and
  safe work practice training

32
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-11
Powered Haulage - Surface - New Mexico
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday April 26, 2002, a
61-year old mechanic/welder, with 16 years of
mining experience, was fatally injured in a
powered haulage accident while fueling a
Caterpillar D11 bulldozer in the pit of a surface
coal mine. While fueling the bulldozer, the
victim's service truck began to roll away, down a
6-8 grade toward a Liebherr haul truck. The
victim ran after the service truck, mounted the
running board, and apparently slipped off and
fell under the rear tandem wheels. The truck
continued another 35 feet, struck the front of
the Liebherr haul truck, and stopped. The service
truck traveled approximately 225 feet before
hitting the haul truck. Wheel chocks were found
at the site. They appeared to have been used, but
did not prevent the truck from moving downhill.
33
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-11
Powered Haulage - Surface - New Mexico
34
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-11
Powered Haulage - Surface - New Mexico

• Best Practices
• Do not leave mobile equipment unattended unless
  the brakes are set.
• When mobile equipment is left unattended on a
  grade, turn the wheels into a bank or berm, or
  properly block them.
• During task training, emphasize proper methods of
  blocking the wheels of parked equipment.
• Perform tasks such as refueling on level ground,
  whenever possible.

35
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-12
Electrical - Underground - Pennsylvania
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Saturday, May 11, 2002, a
46-year-old coal hauler operator was fatally
injured when transporting coal from the face to
the feeder in the SouthWest Mains Section. As the
operator was attempting to make a right turn into
the crosscut between the number four and three
entries, the left rear portion of the coal hauler
frame pinched the Joy 14 BU loading machine
trailing cable between the right inby rib and the
coal hauler. This resulted in the frame of the
rubber tired coal hauler becoming energized. The
victim apparently exited the machine to check the
pinch point, came into contact with the energized
machine frame and was electrocuted.
36
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-12
Electrical - Underground - Pennsylvania
37
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-12
Electrical - Underground - Pennsylvania

• Best Practices
• Provide ample clearance or protection for
  electrical cables located in haulage ways.
• Examine haulage ways prior to the start of
  loading to assure that all electrical cables are
  positioned to prevent them from being contacted
  by mobile equipment.
• Should the haulage machine accidentally pinch a
  power or trailing cable, the following procedures
  must be followed
• Stay in the vehicle you are operating DO NOT
  EXIT THE MACHINE!
• Make sure that all persons remain IN THE CLEAR OF
  THE DAMAGED CABLE AND MACHINE !
• Attempt to move the machine away from the cable.
• If you cannot move the machine away from the
  pinched/damaged cable, have someone go to the
  power center to de-energize power to the pinched
  cable and your machine.

38
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-13
Electrical - Underground - Kentucky
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Tuesday, May 21, 2002, a
50-year-old electrician with 30 years of
experience, was fatally injured in an electrical
accident. The victim was working on a 480 VAC
distribution box that supplied power to a section
battery charging station. Apparently, the victim
came in contact with an energized bus bar located
inside the distribution box.
39
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-13
Electrical - Underground - Kentucky
40
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-13
Electrical - Underground - Kentucky

• Best Practices
• De-energize, lock and tag before doing electrical
  work, unless testing or troubleshooting
• Insure that all electrical circuits and circuit
  breakers are properly identified before
  troubleshooting or performing electrical work
• Insure that electrical work is preformed by
  qualified electricians or properly trained
  persons under the direct supervision of a
  qualified electrician
• Wear proper protective gloves to prevent injuries
  when electrical troubleshooting activities are
  being conducted

41
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-14
Powered Haulage - Underground - Virginia
COAL MINE FATALITY - - On Thursday, June 20,
2002, a 55 year old utility man with 31 years
mining experience was found trapped between the
frame of the number 12 bunker car and the upright
beam attached to the catwalk that provided access
to the bunker area. He was assigned to work on
the old bunker in the "A" shaft area of the mine.

42
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-14
Powered Haulage - Underground - Virginia
43
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-14
Powered Haulage - Underground - Virginia

• Best Practices
• Repairs or maintenance should not be performed on
  machinery until the machinery is blocked against
  motion.
• All power circuits and electrical equipment shall
  be de-energized before any work is performed on
  such equipment.

44
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-15
Electrical - Underground - Kentucky
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, May 23, 2002, a
58-year-old electrician sustained serious
injuries as a result of an electrical accident.
The victim was located beside the section power
center when an electrical arc at the female
receptacle of a shuttle car occurred causing
severe burns to the victim. According to
statements obtained during interviews, the victim
was attempting to find a fault in the shuttle car
cable when the accident occurred. Following the
accident, the victim remained hospitalized, until
he died from his injuries on June 27, 2002.
45
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-15
Electrical - Underground - Kentucky
46
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-15
Electrical - Underground - Kentucky

• Best Practices
• Always use proper diagnostic equipment while
  trouble shooting or testing.
• Insure that qualified electricians perform all
  electrical work or properly trained persons under
  direct supervision of a qualified electrician.
• Always wear protective gloves when performing
  tasks that may cause injuries to the hands.

47
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-16
Powered Haulage - Surface - Virginia
COAL MINE FATALITY - On June 28, 2002, at
approximately 550 A.M., a 49-year-old truck
driver was fatally injured when the truck he was
operating (a 50-ton 773B Caterpillar) backed
through a haulroad berm prior to reaching the
dump point, the truck overturned and slid down a
steep slope into a coal slurry impoundment. The
driver was recovered from the impoundment at 125
P.M. and transported to a local medical facility
where he was pronounced dead.
48
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-16
Powered Haulage - Surface - Virginia
49
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-16
Powered Haulage - Surface - Virginia

• Best Practices
• Never allow vehicles to travel in reverse for
  extended distances when it is possible to travel
  forward.
• Clearly mark dump locations with reflectors
  and/or markers.
• Arrange dump locations such that drivers may use
  the driver's side mirrors for visibility while
  backing.
• Maintain proper berms along all haulroads.
• Maintain adequate illumination on trucks and/or
  dump sites.

50
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-17
Powered Haulage - Surface - Indiana
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, July 10, 2002,
a 44-year old mechanic/ truck driver, employed by
an independent trucking company, was fatally
injured while performing repair work on a coal
haul truck. The transmission had become locked in
gear and the mechanic was summoned to repair the
truck. While attempting to free the transmission,
the mechanic positioned himself under the truck
to remove the drive shaft. When the drive shaft
was removed, the truck rolled forward crushing
the mechanic under the right rear set of tandem
wheels. The parking brake had not been set and
the truck had not been blocked to prevent
movement (blocking shown was provided after the
accident).
51
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-17
Powered Haulage - Surface - Indiana
52
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-17
Powered Haulage - Surface - Indiana

• Best Practices
• Always set the parking brakes and block machinery
  against motion before repairs are performed.
• Know and follow safe work procedures before
  beginning repairs.
• Examine work areas before starting work.

53
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-18
Machinery - Underground - West Virginia
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, August 12, 2002,
at approximately 145 p.m., a 23 year old miner
was killed when his head was caught between the
conveyor boom of the continuous mining machine
and the mine roof. The continuous mining machine
operator and victim were moving the mining
machine from the working section to the surface
for repairs. About half way to the surface, the
front of the machine dropped over a small ledge
in the mine floor causing the conveyor boom to
strike the roof. The victim, who had been
assisting with the continuous miner cable, was
caught between the boom and roof. The victim's
regular job title was greaser. He had 6 months
and 10 days of mining experience.
54
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-18
Machinery - Underground - West Virginia
55
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-18
Machinery - Underground - West Virginia

• Best Practices
• Establish procedures for moving machinery and
  equipment.
• Assure that personnel do not position themselves
  in proximity to moving machinery.
• Maintain clear visibility with all personnel in
  the vicinity of moving equipment.
• Keep trailing cables on the operator's side of
  the machine when moving the machine.

56
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-19
Slip or Fall of Person - Surface - Pennsylvania
COAL MINE FATALITY - On August 13, 2002 at
approximately 300 a.m., a 66-year-old highwall
drill operator was fatally injured when he fell
twenty-three feet off the edge of a highwall. The
victim was walking from his truck along the drill
bench to his highwall drill in dark and foggy
conditions when the accident occurred. The victim
was able to call for help using a cell phone. The
victim was rescued, however, he later expired as
a result of injuries.
57
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-19
Slip or Fall of Person - Surface - Pennsylvania
58
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-19
Slip or Fall of Person - Surface - Pennsylvania

• Best Practices
• Provide and use appropriate lighting in work
  areas after dark.
• Establish and use designated travelways to travel
  to and from work areas.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and any
  hazards that may be present.

59
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-20
Fall of Rib - Underground - Kentucky
COAL MINE FATALITY - - On Monday, August 19,
2002, at approximately 900 p.m., a 29 year-old
construction worker, with two months experience,
sustained fatal injuries from a rib roll
approximately 1473 feet inby the portal of a
slope-sinking operation. The victim was gathering
tools in a plastic bucket to be transported to
the surface when a rock measuring 8 1/2 feet in
length by 3 feet in width by 2 feet thick rolled
out from the rib causing fatal injuries.
60
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-20
Fall of Rib - Underground - Kentucky
61
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-20
Fall of Rib - Underground - Kentucky

• Best Practices
• Always work and travel under supported roof and
  secure ribs.
• Apply additional safety precautions in areas
  where geological
• changes and anomalies in strata are present.
• Frequently test the roof and ribs with a sounding
  device.
• Scale loose materials using the proper equipment
  from a safe distance.
• Assure that sufficient bolt coverage occurs
  across roof/rib in non-rectangular openings.

62
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-21
Other - Surface - Pennsylvania
COAL MINE FATALITY - Tuesday, August 27, 2002, a
40-year-old coal auger operator died after he
entered a 30-inch diameter auger hole that he was
drilling. The auger had penetrated two previously
drilled auger holes. The victim entered the hole
to determine the angle and depth of the
previously drilled holes. The auger hole he
entered had penetrated the coal seam 144 feet. He
was apparently overcome by the lack of oxygen
approximately 120 feet into the hole. Two
co-workers tried to rescue the victim but became
dizzy and had to exit the hole.
63
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-21
Other - Surface - Pennsylvania
64
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-21
Other - Surface - Pennsylvania

• Best Practices
• Never enter an auger hole.
• Barricade, block or backfill auger holes to
  prevent unauthorized entry.

65
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-22
Powered Haulage - Surface - Kentucky
COAL MINE FATALITY - On August 30, 2002, a 34
year old truck driver was fatally injured while
operating a Volvo A30C articulating truck. The
victim had stopped the truck to be loaded by an
excavator when the truck suddenly moved forward
and over a steep embankment. The truck traveled
approximately 1000 feet down the slope and
eventually came to rest on the main haul road.
66
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-22
Powered Haulage - Surface - Kentucky
67
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-22
Powered Haulage - Surface - Kentucky

• Best Practices
• Examine haulage equipment for safety defects
  before operation.
• Immediately report mechanical safety defects to
  mine management.
• Implement a preventive maintenance program for
  all haulage equipment. The maintenance program
  should be comprehensive enough to ensure that
  critical safety systems such as brakes and
  steering are operational at all times.
• Construct and maintain berms properly on the
  outer bank of all elevated roadways.

68
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-23
Falling, Rolling or Sliding Rock/Material -
Surface - Alabama
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, October 7, 2002,
a 31 year old miner was fatally injured by the
fall of a single rock/clay mass from loose
unconsolidated material located above the
highwall at a surface coal mine. Rainfall had
occurred during the early morning hours and was
reported to have been heavy for a short period
just prior to the start of the 600 am shift. The
miner, employed as a 'coal scrapper', was hand
shoveling raw coal from the base of the highwall
in preparation for scooping the coal with a small
skid steer loader, which he operated. The miner
was not wearing a hard hat, although one was
available in the loader.
69
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-23
Falling, Rolling or Sliding Rock/Material -
Surface - Alabama
70
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration
FAC-C-23
Falling, Rolling or Sliding Rock/Material -
Surface - Alabama

• Best Practices
• Design mining methods and associated work
  practices to minimize the exposure hazard to
  miners working near highwalls.
• Remove loose, hazardous material located above
  active workings prior to any work.
• Examine highwalls and work areas thoroughly for
  hazardous conditions, especially after rainfall.
• Thoroughly train and supervise personnel in the
  required use of personal protective equipment.

71
U.S. Department of LaborMine Safety and Health
Administration

• What are the differences between these people and
  you?
• Why did they die on the job?
• What could have been done to prevent these
  fatalities?
• Who depended upon these people at work and away
  from work?
• Do you understand better how to avoid hazards?