Day: November 21, 2014

Fatality #14 for Coal Mining 2014

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14c14On Monday, November 10, 2014, at approximately 9:35 p.m., a 49-year-old section foreman with 27 years of mining experience was killed when he was struck by a large rock that measured 5 feet by 3 feet by 13 inches thick.  The victim was operating the roof bolting machine on the 2 North section in the No. 2 entry at the time of the accident.  The rock fell inby the last full row of permanent roof supports and between the automated temporary roof support (ATRS) and the left rib.

Best Practices
  • Perform a visual examination of the roof, face, and ribs immediately before any other work is started in the area.
  • Be alert to changing conditions, especially after activities that could cause roof disturbance.
  • While under supported roof, perform sound and vibration tests where roof supports are to be installed.
  • Adequately support or scale down any loose roof or rib material from a safe location.
  • Ensure that ATRS systems on all roof bolting machines are maintained in good working condition and set firmly against the mine roof before installing new roof supports.
  • Ensure ATRS are set within 5 feet of permanent support as well as within 5 feet of the rib line.
  • Stay under the roof bolting machine canopy when working in the area between the ATRS and the last row of permanent roof support.
  • Ensure that the approved roof control plan is followed and is suitable for the geologic conditions encountered at the mine.  If conditions change and cause the plan to no longer be suitable, the plan must be revised to provide adequate support for the control of the roof face and ribs.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)

Fatality #13 for Coal Mining 2014

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FTL14c13aOn Saturday, October 18, 2014, at approximately 10:05 p.m., a contractor truck driver with over 5 years of truck driving experience was killed while operating a rock truck. The driver was removing top soil ahead of the East Elk Pit when he drove off a highwall and fell approximately 240 feet.

Best Practices
  • Operate equipment in a manner that is consistent with conditions of roadways, grades, clearance, visibility, traffic, and the type of equipment used.
  • Standardize and post traffic rules, signals, and warning signs.
  • Provide and maintain adequate berms and other barriers that are at least mid-axle high on the banks of roadways where a drop off exists.
  • Train all employees on the equipment they operate, on safe job procedures, hazard recognition, and on hazard avoidance.
  • Maintain control of equipment at all times during operation.  Know the truck’s capabilities, operating ranges, load-limits, and safety features.
  • Monitor work activities and examine work areas to assure safe work practices are followed.
  • Monitor contract employees adequately at all job sites to ensure that safe work procedures are being followed.
  • Conduct pre-operational checks to identify and repair any defects that may affect the safe operation of equipment before it is placed into service.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)