Fatality #2 for Coal Mining 2015

c02.jpgOn February 20, 2015, a 29-year-old roof bolter helper with 3 years and 48 weeks of mining experience was killed when a piece of rock approximately 3 feet wide, 11½ feet long, and 3 to 16 inches thick fell and pinned him against the top of the drill canopy of a roof bolting machine.  The roof bolting machine was positioned to install the next row of permanent supports when the accident occurred.

Best Practices

  • Visually examine 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.
  • Establish in the roof control plan a bolt installation pattern that effectively supports the roof strata.
  • 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.  Ensure the ATRS sets firmly against the mine roof, as specified by the manufacturer, before installing new roof supports.
  • As much as possible, stay under the roof bolting machine’s drill canopy when working in the area between the ATRS and the last row of permanent roof supports.
  • Take additional measures when hazards associated with draw rock are encountered, such as mining shorter cuts and decreasing roof bolt spacing.
  • When using roof screen, implement work procedures that incorporate positioning and securing the mesh from a safe location.
  • Know and follow the approved roof control plan.  Install and examine test holes regularly to check for changes in roof strata.
  • Add additional supports at any indication of adverse roof conditions.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)

Fatality #1 for Coal Mining 2015

c01.jpgOn Wednesday, January 28, 2015, a 43-year-old continuous mining machine operator with 10 years of mining experience was killed when he was pinned between the conveyor boom of a remote controlled continuous mining machine and a coal rib.  The victim was operating the continuous mining machine from a remote position in the entry and was preparing for the next mining cycle when the accident occurred.

Best Practices

  • Install and maintain proximity detection systems to protect personnel and eliminate accidents of this type. See the proximity detection information page on the MSHA website (Proximity Detection Single Source).
  • Avoid “RED ZONE” areas when operating or working near a continuous mining machine, especially when moving a remote controlled continuous mining machine.  Frequently review, retrain, and discuss avoiding “RED ZONE” areas (http://www.msha.gov/Alerts/20040407REDZONE2.pdf).
  • Ensure all miners, including the continuous mining machine operator, are outside the machine’s turning radius before starting or moving equipment.
  • Stay behind moving mobile equipment when traveling in the same entry, and maintain a safe distance from any moving equipment.
  • Use low tram speed when moving a continuous mining machine where the left and right traction drives are operated independently.  The continuous mining machine pivots quickly when the tracks tram over raised areas of the mine floor.
  • Never turn your back to a self-propelled machine or get into an area where it can swing into you.
  • Develop and follow effective policies and procedures for starting and tramming self-propelled equipment.  Train all miners regarding these policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that the continuous mining machine operator has full visibility of the area while tramming equipment.
  • Assign another miner to assist the continuous mining machine operator when the machine is being moved or repositioned.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)