COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, March 12, 1999, at 11:15 p.m., a shuttle-car operator was fatally injured when he was crushed between the metal operator's deck of the shuttle car and the coal rib. The shuttle-car operator had dumped a load of coal at the feeder and was returning to the face for another load of coal. In the process of turning into the No. 8 entry, the shuttle car struck the coal rib and crushed the operator between the rib and metal frame of the shuttle car. The mining height at this location was 52-54 inches high. A canopy was not provided for this shuttle car.
BEST PRACTICES
All electrical equipment shall be frequently examined, tested and maintained to assure safe operating conditions
All self-propelled face equipment operated in coal mines where the top to bottom height is 42" or greater, shall be provided with cabs or canopies.
This is the 8th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 8 fatalities. This is the second fatality classified as POWERED HAULAGE in 1999.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C08]
