Coal

Coal Fatal – 7/11/26

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On July 11, 2026, a contract miner was seriously injured after being engulfed by coal spillage while shoveling beneath a silo. On July 20, 2026, the miner died from complications related to those injuries. 

Best Practices

  • From a safe location, remove all loose material that could fall or slide before working or traveling beneath bins and silos.
  • Ensure miners are positioned where they are not exposed to falling or sliding material hazards.
  • Examine working places to identify the potential for falling or sliding materials. 
  • Train miners to recognize and safely remove all potential hazards before beginning work.

Additional Information

This is the 18th fatality reported in 2026, and the third classified as “Falling, Rolling, or Sliding Rock or Material of Any Kind.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 7/01/26

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On July 1, 2026, a miner died after a longwall shield hydraulically collapsed on him while performing maintenance on the shield.

Best Practices

  • Block the shields against hazardous motion before working on components that support the raised portions of the shields. Review and understand the manufacturer’s maintenance and repair procedures.
  • Be aware of potential pinch points when working on or near hydraulic components. Identify hazards that may be created as a result of the work being performed. 
  • Train miners who install, move, or maintain shields on proper procedures and hazard recognition, including manual operation of hydraulic control valves. Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.
  • Maintain good communication with coworkers. Make sure those around you know your intentions.

Additional Information

This is the 15th fatality reported in 2026, and the fifth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

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), Final 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).