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COAL MINE FATALITY - On August 29, 2001, at approximately 3:40 PM, an accident occurred which resulted in fatal injuries to a contract employee at the Coal Preparation Plant. An ironworker/welder was performing work on the 5th floor of the plant when a sixteen (16) by four (4) foot section of the concrete floor from which he was working collapsed, causing the miner to fall thirty four (34) feet to the 2nd floor. Demolition of existing structure to install upgraded equipment was being performed in preparation to connect the structural beams for a new addition to the plant when the accident occurred.

Photo of Accident Scene

Side view of 5th floor		 Photo of Accident Scene

6th floor view looking down to the 2nd floor

Photo of Accident Scene

2nd floor landing area

Best Practices

  • The integrity of elevated surface structures should be examined both visually and physically before any work is performed on the structure.
  • Safety belts and lines should be worn to secure persons at any location where a hazard of fall may exist.
  • Work place examinations should be made by a competent person to identify hazards associated with demolition and construction.
  • Demolition of structures should be performed in a manner using sound engineering and construction techniques and processes.
    • More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

    This is the 16th fatal accident reported for the coal mining industry in calendar year 2001. As of this date in 2000, there were twenty-four fatalities reported in this industry. This is the 2nd fatal accident, classified as fall of person, reported in the coal mining industry in 2001. At this time in 2000, there was one fatal accidents, classified as fall of person, in the coal mining industry.


    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.



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