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COAL MINE FATALITY - On October 30, 2006, a shuttle car operator with 2 years of mining experience, was fatally injured while repairing the tram pedal on a shuttle car. The shuttle car was energized as the victim and a mechanic were making repairs. While positioned beside the shuttle car, it moved and struck both of them, crushing the victim against the rib. The mechanic also received significant injuries as a result of the accident.

Photo of Accident Scene described in paragraph above

Best Practices
  • De-energize, lock out, tag, and block mobile equipment when making repairs.
  • Ensure that equipment decks are cleaned of accumulations of coal, mud and other extraneous materials, and mechanical components are greased and lubricated as necessary.
  • Assume safe positions prior to conducting work.
  • More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.


    This is the 43rd fatality reported during calendar year 2006 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2005, there were 16 fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the sixth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2006. At this time in 2005, there were seven fatalities in this classification.


    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.


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