On 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.
- 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)