COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday April 8, 1996, a general inside
laborer was assigned to rockdust an area outby the dumping point. Operating a large
battery tractor, pulling a slinger duster, the laborer left the section feeder area and
traveled outby. The laborer was later found in the area to be rockdusted, pinned under
the front of the battery tractor. Investigators have determined that a deficiency on
the automatic emergency parking brake resulted in the brake's inability to hold the
battery tractor stationary.
This is the 11th coal mine fatality in 1996. As of April 8 of last year, there had
been 8 fatalities. This death is the fourth classified as POWERED HAULAGE in 1996.
Photograph of Accident Scene and Outby End of Battery Tractor
For more information: 
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96C11]
