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COAL MINE FATALITY -On Wednesday, February 24, 1999, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a 42 year-old highwall drill operator, with 24 years of total mining experience was fatally injured. The victim was walking toward the highwall, when loose unconsolidated rock fell from the highwall face. Approximately one ton of material fell from the highwall causing him fatal injuries

Coal Fatalgram Picture
BEST PRACTICES
  • Highwalls shall be examined and monitored often.
  • All miners should be trained to recognize hazardous highwall conditions
  • Drill operators should not place themselves in close proximity to the highwall face.
  • This is the fifth fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were five fatalities. This is the second fatality classified as Fall of Highwall in 1999.

    For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C05]