On Thursday, July 21, 2011, at approximately 9:05 p.m., an office worker was killed at a surface coal operation when she was struck by a pickup driven by a vendor. As part of a wellness program instituted at the mine, the victim was walking along a rural road on the permit area for the mine when the pickup struck her from behind. The vendor was accessing the mine for routine maintenance.
Best Practices
- Maintain complete control over vehicles and equipment while in operation.
- Stay alert for unexpected pedestrians when driving in rural areas.
- Drive at speeds relative to changing light and conditions.
- Walk in designated pedestrian areas or facing traffic.
- Wear highly visible reflective clothing when walking on roadways.
- Ensure there is no oncoming traffic when crossing roadways.
- Post signs and appropriate speed limits in areas where pedestrians may be present.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf).