COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, February 8, 1996, a surface miner was
changing bits on a surface coal augering machine, while standing on the coal discharge chain
conveyor that passes under the auger head. After changing all of the accessible bits, the
auger head was to be rotated to access the remainder of the bits. The engine which provided
power to the auger head and the chain conveyor was started. The control lever for the chain
conveyor had been left in the engaged for discharge position, and when the engine started,
the miner was pulled across the belly-pan and into the throat of the inclined discharge
conveyor.
This is the fifth coal mine fatality in 1996. As of February 8 of last year, there had
been 3 fatalities. This death is the third classified as MACHINERY in 1996.
Photograph of the accident scene
For more information: 
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96C05]
