Coal

Coal Fatal – 5/20/26

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On May 20, 2026, a contract mechanic field technician was fatally injured while removing the radiator guard from a front-end loader when the counterweight fell on him. 

Best Practices

  • Block machinery components against motion with suitable tools or blocking materials before removing mounting bolts from machinery components that can fall during disassembly.
  • Review and follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures when performing repairs to machinery.
  • Ensure miners are positioned in safe locations away from crushing hazards.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures related to their assigned tasks.

Additional Information

This is the 12th fatality reported in 2026, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 5/19/26

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On May 19, 2026, an assistant shift foreman died after a large section of rib fell and struck him. Two contractors were also injured in the accident.

Best Practices

  • Conduct thorough pre-shift and on-shift examinations of the roof, face, and ribs and conduct examinations thereafter as conditions warrant.
  • Train miners to recognize roof and rib hazards and to stop work in the area until hazards are corrected.
  • Adequately support loose roof and rib material and scale loose material from a safe location before working or traveling in an area.
  • Use the proper tool, like a slate bar, when pulling down loose roof or ribs.
  • Take additional safety precautions where mining conditions change and mining heights increase or thicker rock brows are present.
  • Always set posts or other floor-to-roof support from a safe location.
  • Train miners to follow the approved roof control plan.

Additional Information

This is the 11th fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 4/3/26

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On April 3, 2026, a miner died after a scoop backed into another scoop that was transporting a longwall shield. This collision caused the longwall shield to shift and pin the miner, who was working underneath it.

Best Practices

  • Ensure work areas are clear and that miners position themselves away from potential hazards, including potential pinch points, when moving or positioning equipment.
  • Ensure that all miners are trained on the hazards of moving shields. 
  • Securely block equipment against motion. 
  • Provide adequate illumination for miners performing maintenance. 
  • Wear reflective clothing to aid visibility when working around mobile equipment.
  • Communicate your presence and intended movements when working near mobile equipment and wait for acknowledgment before moving.

Additional Information

This is the eighth fatality reported in 2026, and the second classified as “Powered Haulage”.

Click Here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatal – 4/2/26

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On April 2, 2026, a shuttle car operator was struck by falling rock from the mine roof while setting timber posts during retreat mining. 

Best Practices

  • Know and follow all provisions in the approved roof control plan.
  • The use of Mobile Roof Supports provides greater support and eliminates the need for miners to install posts.
  • Never go under unsupported roof. Consider a roof with damaged or incomplete support as unsupported.
  • Don’t travel inby posts installed during retreat mining.
  • Danger-off hazardous areas until appropriate corrective measures are taken.
  • Conduct thorough examinations of the roof, face, and ribs where miners will be working or traveling. 

Additional Information

This is the seventh fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 3/5/26

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On March 5, 2026, a continuous mining machine operator died after being pinned against the coal rib by a continuous mining machine.

Best Practices

  • Operate equipment from a safe location. Stay out of “Red Zone” areas including pinch points, the continuous mining machine (CMM) turning radius, and areas between the CMM and the ribs. 
  • Develop and implement procedures for tramming, repositioning, cable handling, and moving remote controlled CMMs safely.
  • Maintain the proximity detection systems (PDS) in the approved operating condition. Perform manufacturer-recommended tests to ensure the PDS is functioning properly.
  • Position miner wearable components (MWCs) in accordance with the PDS manufacturer’s recommendations so users can see and hear warning lights and sounds. 
  • Mine operators must ensure MWCs are properly worn.
  • Train miners on the functionality and importance of the PDS.

Additional Information

This is the fourth fatality reported in 2026, and the second classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 12/18/25

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On December 18, 2025, a miner died after a tractor pinned him against the rib.

Best Practices

  • Stay out of “red zones” and pinch point areas.
  • Maintain effective traction on the slope.  Control or remove excessive water, mud and other debris.
  • Obtain proper clearances from the dispatcher prior to starting down the slope to ensure the travelway is clear.
  • Communicate your presence and intended movements when working around mobile equipment and wait for acknowledgment before moving.
  • Minimize pedestrian traffic in known haulage routes.

Additional Information

This is the 32nd fatality reported in 2025, and the 13th classified as “Powered Haulage.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatal – 11/8/25

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On November 8, 2025, a section foreman died after a mine was inundated with water from an adjacent abandoned mine. The foreman was found on November 13, 2025.

Best Practices

  • Determine the location of abandoned mine workings using signed maps and local sources. Abandoned mines are a major flood hazard.
  • Provide sufficient barrier pillars. Evaluate interburden thickness and compare mine surveys from a common baseline.
  • Use directional, long-hole drilling to ensure adequate barriers around mining areas.
  • If necessary, submit permits for “operations under water.”

Additional Information

This is the 28th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Inundation”.

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 11/6/25

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On November 6, 2025, a miner died when the scoop he was operating was struck by the lead locomotive of a supply trip.

Best Practices

  • Operate mobile equipment at safe speeds appropriate for the grade, load, and track conditions. Select the proper gear before descending grades to maintain positive control.
  • Conduct thorough pre-operational examinations of all mobile equipment. Test brake systems, sanders, and communication devices before use and ensure they work properly.
  • Establish and follow communication protocols that require verification for all mobile equipment operators.
  • Make sure miners communicate their location and intended movements with the dispatcher.

Additional Information

This is the 27th fatality reported in 2025, and the 12th classified as “Powered Haulage.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatality – 8/26/25

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On August 26, 2025, an electrician died while performing elevator testing.  The elevator car descended and struck the electrician on the first-floor elevator platform. 

Best Practices

  • De-energize, lock out, tag out, and block machinery against hazardous motion, including unintended movement, before conducting maintenance.
  • Install audible and visual alarms to warn of impending equipment movement.  Ensure the alarms are functional through testing and maintenance.
  • Stay clear of moving equipment during testing procedures.
  • Train miners to safely perform testing procedures and ensure the procedures are followed.

Additional Information

This is the 20th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Hoisting.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatality – 2/28/25

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On February 28, 2025, a miner died when a piece of rock fell from an unsupported pillar rib and struck him.

Best Practices

  • Be aware of potential hazards when working or traveling near mine ribs with rock and partings.  Rock in the rib has been associated with over 80% of rib fall fatalities in the past decade.
  • Conduct thorough pre-shift and on-shift examinations of the roof, face, and ribs and conduct examinations thereafter as conditions warrant.  Scale loose ribs as necessary.
  • Rib support may be necessary when the mining height increases, when rock is present in the rib, or when encountering deeper cover.
  • For the best protection against rib falls, install rib bolts with adequate surface control products during the mining cycle and in a consistent pattern.
  • Train miners to recognize roof and rib hazards and to stop work in the area until the hazards are corrected.

Additional Information

This is the eighth fatality reported in 2025, and the second classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).