Mining Fatalities

Fatality #16 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010

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MNM Fatality 16 2010

On October 10, 2010, a 42 year- old contract electrician with 4 years of experience was seriously injured at a granite operation. The victim and two co-workers were installing ground fault indicator lights in a circuit breaker enclosure when an arc flash occurred. The circuit breaker enclosure contained a bottom feed circuit breaker. All three workers were hospitalized and the victim died on October 12, 2010.

Before YOU perform electrical work:

  • Be trained on all the electrical tests and safety equipment necessary to safely test and ground the circuit being worked on.
  • Conduct a risk assessment.
  • Use properly rated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
  • Positively identify the circuit on which work is to be conducted.
  • De-energize power and ensure that the circuit is visibly open.
  • Place YOUR lock and tag on the disconnecting device.
  • Verify the circuit is de-energized by testing for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
  • Ensure ALL electrical components in the enclosure are de-energized.
  • Ground ALL phase conductors to the equipment grounding medium with grounding equipment that is properly rated.
  • Install warning labels on the terminal covers of bottom feed circuit breakers stating the “Bottom terminal lugs remain energized when the circuit breaker is open.”

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf).

Fatality #44 for Coal Mining 2010

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On Friday, September 3, 2010, a 37-year old Truck Driver with approximately two years experience was killed when the haul truck he was operating struck another truck from behind. The lead truck had stopped short of the pit, while a bulldozer pushed up material for the track-hoe to load. The victim, returning from dumping, ran into the bed of the lead truck.

Best Practices
  • Conduct adequate pre-operational examinations before placing equipment into operation and ensure all lights are operational.
  • Use cab and vehicle marker lights at all times when vehicles are in use during low light conditions, even when stationary/parking.
  • Provide adequate illumination for all work areas where visibility is critical.
  • Maintain control of equipment at all times, making allowances for the prevailing conditions (low visibility, inclement weather, etc).
  • Consider providing proximity detection devices to mobile equipment when the possibility of collision with other mobile equipment is present.
  • Routinely monitor work habits and examine work areas to insure that safe work procedures are followed.
  • Communicate actions and intent to co-workers, especially if non-routine or out of the ordinary.
  • When waiting to be loaded, take the vehicle out of gear and set the parking brake.
  • Stay alert, stay awake, and pay attention to the task.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)

Fatality #43 for Coal Mining 2010

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Coal Fatality 2010 number 43On August 31, 2010, a 25-year old truck driver, with 16 weeks and 3 days of mining experience, was killed when the truck he was driving left the haulage road. The truck traveled approximately 11 feet up an embankment on the left side of the haulage road, and then abruptly traveled back across the haulage road. Afterwards, the truck impacted a 5 foot high berm, travelled over the berm, and dropped 72 feet to the mine pit below.

Best Practices
  • Conduct pre-operational examinations on all mobile equipment.
  • Do not exceed the truck’s capabilities, operating ranges, load-limits and safety features.
  • Always wear a seatbelt when operating a haul truck or mobile equipment.
  • Adequately task train miners on the equipment they will operate.
  • Post the speed limit, appropriate gear, grade, curve or other warning signage along haulage roads as appropriate.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf)

MSHA Safety Alert

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MSHA has issued an alert to call attention to the fatalities that have occurred other than those at Upper Big Branch which of course has received much attention.  A variety of posters are available on the MSHA site.

“Eight miners are dead because they were struck-by moving or falling objects. Roof falls and rib rolls crushed 7 miners. Six miners were killed working in close proximity to mining or haulage equipment. Three more miners lost their lives in explosions and fires; another miner was killed when he was caught inside rotating machinery; a contract miner fell to his death, a contract truck driver was killed when his truck went through a berm and over a highwall, and a miner drowned. Eight of the dead miners were contractors. Each life lost is a tragedy for a family, a mining operation, and a community.” – from the statement by Joe Main.

Click here for: MSHA Page with Links to Posters

Fatality #15 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010

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On August 14, 2010, a 23 year-old dredge operator with 4 years of experience died at a sand and gravel dredge operation. The victim and another miner were pulling a small boat from a dredge pond onto a boat trailer attached to a pickup truck. When the boat slipped back into the water, the victim attempted to retrieve it and drowned.

Best Practices
  • Wear a life jacket where there is a danger from falling into water.
  • Review procedures to ensure all possible hazards have been identified and appropriate controls are in place to protect miners before beginning work.
  • Develop procedures for loading and unloading boats in dredge operations and train all persons.
  • Inspect equipment, including the winch and cable, prior to use and maintain in a safe condition.
  • Attach the trailer winch rope securely to the boat prior to removing from the water.
  • Ensure that persons working around water receive training for swimming.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf)

Fatality #13 & #14 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010

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On August 12, 2010, a 38 year-old maintenance technician with 3 years of experience and a 47 year-old operations miner with 21 years of experience died at an underground gold mine. They were working from the top of a conveyance in a 16-foot diameter ventilation shaft attempting to locate and free a blockage in a 24-inch-diameter aggregate delivery pipe. While the conveyance was near the 820 foot level, the entire pipe from the shaft collar to the 860 level broke away and fell to the bottom at the 1330 foot level. The pipe struck the conveyance as it fell, causing the hoist drum to break away from its support base. The victims were found at the bottom of the shaft.

Best Practices
  • Routinely examine pipe support structures for indications of excessive corrosion and cracked, missing, or damaged: clamps, brackets, support beams, and connections.
  • Conduct periodic visual and non-destructive examination on couplings and pipes for corrosion, abrasion thinning, cracking, and loose connections.
  • Inspect and test process monitoring systems to ensure safety controls are functioning properly.
  • Perform construction and maintenance in accordance with design drawings and specifications.
  • Minimize exposure to hazards by using equipment such as air cannons and vibrators to prevent or clear blockages.
  • Ensure that miners are in a safe position to avoid falling objects or materials.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf),  MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview(pdf).

Fatality #42 for Coal Mining 2010

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On Thursday, July 29, 2010, at approximately 11:55 a.m., the left side integral roof bolter operator on a continuous mining machine was fatally injured. The victim was struck with a portion of rib measuring approximately 276 inches long by 55 inches high and up to 16 inches thick. The accident occurred while cutting an overcast. The victim had installed one test bolt and was near the left rear bumper of the machine, when the accident occurred. The rock in the left rib sheared off pinning, the victim against the machine.

Best Practices
  • Develop a plan for cutting overcasts and train miners in the procedures and precautions.
  • Examine the roof and ribs frequently while working.
  • Take down or support any loose ribs or roof adequately before working or traveling in the affected area.
  • Be aware of changing roof and rib conditions, especially when working between the ribs and equipment.
  • Unless necessary, do not position yourself between any piece of machinery and the rib.
  • Where the mining process allows, remain within the confines of protective devices such as cabs, canopies and rib protectors whenever possible.
  • Install additional rib support prior to mining in areas where the roof or floor is cut above or below the coal seam, especially overcasts, loading points, etc.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf)

Fatality #41 for Coal Mining 2010

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diagram of coal fatality number 41 for 2010On Friday, July 9, 2010, a 61-year old production foreman with 33 years mining experience was fatally injured when he was struck by a battery-powered ram car. The victim was last seen in the No. 6 entry just outby the intersection at crosscut No. 107. This intersection and adjoining crosscuts were being used to gain access to the ratio feeder located in the No. 5 entry.

Best Practices
  • Install proximity detection systems on mobile face equipment. See the proximity detection single source page on the MSHA web site.
  • Use approved translucent check curtains designed to allow mobile equipment to tram through.
  • Sound audible warnings when making turns, reversing directions, approaching ventilation curtains, and any time the operator’s visibility is obstructed. The sound level of audible warnings must be significantly higher than that of ambient noise.
  • Be aware of blind spots when travelling in mobile equipment travel ways.
  • Communicate your position and intended movements to mobile equipment operators.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf)

Fatality #40 for Coal Mining 2010

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COAL MINE FATALITY – On Thursday, July 1, 2010, a 60-year old section electrician was fatally injured when he was run over by a shuttle car. The victim was last seen walking outby the face in a connecting crosscut. As the loaded shuttle car was leaving the continuous miner, the victim was discovered under the shuttle car.

Best Practices

  • Always sound the shuttle car alarm or bell when approaching and before traveling through check curtains.
  • Be aware of your location in relation to movement of equipment, especially in lower coal seams.
  • Wear reflective or florescent clothing to aid visibility when working around mobile equipment.
  • Train miners to use effective means of communication between themselves and equipment operators.
  • Develop and follow standard operating procedures for tramming shuttle cars.
  • Ensure all personnel are clear of the traveling path and turning radius before moving equipment.
  • Pursue new technology such as proximity detection to protect personnel and eliminate accidents of this type.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf)

Fatality #39 for Coal Mining 2010

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On June 24, 2010, a 29 year old continuous mining machine operator with 12 years experience received fatal injuries when he was caught between the right rib and the remote controlled continuous mining machine he was operating.

Best Practices
     

  • Install MSHA approved Proximity Detection Systems on continuous mining machines.
    http://www.msha.gov/Accident_Prevention/...
  • Avoid “Red Zone” areas associated with remote controlled continuous mining machines and other mobile equipment.
    http://www.msha.gov/webcasts/coal2004/REDZONE2.pdf
  • Ensure equipment is being operated safely, especially in low mining heights, and slippery and uneven floor conditions.
  • Maintain equipment in a safe operating condition.
  • Observe work practices and provide timely feedback.

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Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Spanish Fatalgram (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf).