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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, May 7, 1999, an electrician fell through an unguarded 26 inch by 26 inch opening at the top of a 36 inch diameter escape/ventilation shaft on the southeast side of the underground coal storage bunker. The victim was washing the area with a high pressure hose. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident. The victim was discovered by a co-worker on a platform, thirty feet and six inches below the top of the shaft. The victim received multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician.

MSHA Fatalgram Picture
BEST PRACTICES
  • Protect and guard all openings through which persons or material may fall.
  • Areas where persons are required to work or travel should be kept clear of all extraneous material and other stumbling or slipping hazards.
  • Regulate line pressure on water hoses to a safe and manageable working pressure.
  • Provide training to every person to recognize hazardous conditions in their work area.

    • This is the 12th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 9 fatalities. This is the first fatality classified as Fall of Person in 1999.

    For more information:
    MSHA Fatalgram Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C12]