Skip to content
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Tuesday, October 10, a continuous mining machine helper was assisting a mechanic in the removal of a traction planetary drive from a continuous mining machine. The mining machine helper, using an 8 pound sledgehammer, attempted to free and remove the drive hub from the crawler pad. On the second blow of the hammer, a steel sliver flew off the hub and penetrated the helper's lower throat area. The steel sliver lacerated an artery in the upper chest area causing fatal internal hemorrhaging.

This is the 34th coal mine fatality in 1995. As of October 10 last year there had been 34 fatalities. This death is the first classified as HANDTOOLS in 1995.

Line drawing of the accident scene

For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL95C34]