COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, January 19, 1996, a
foreman was assisting in repairs to the universal drive shaft assembly
for the gathering arms on a continuous mining machine. Prior to working
on the machine, crib blocks were installed as means to block the ripper
head in place. The ripper head was lowered onto the crib blocks and the
drive shaft was removed. Later, the foreman was positioned beneath the
ripper head of the machine reinstalling the drive assembly when the crib
blocks kicked-out, allowing the ripper head to fall and crush the foreman.
This is the first coal mine fatality in 1996. As of January 19, of
last year, there had been 3 fatalities. This death is the first
classified as MACHINERY in 1996.
Photograph of the accident scene
For more information: 
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96C01]
