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COAL MINE FATALITY - On November 27, 2001, at approximately 8:15 PM, an accident occurred which resulted in fatal injuries to the Plant Operator at the coal preparation plant. The plant operator was working on the sixth floor of the preparation plant with a co-worker, attempting to hang a chain hoist to a hoist track. They were attempting to attach the hoist to the hoist track in an open doorway. One safety bar was installed across the doorway and while lifting the hoist, it was dislodged. While attempting to attach the hoist, it was dropped and subsequently the victim slipped and fell approximately 101 feet to the ground.

Side view of Prep Plant   Looking out door of Prep Plant

Best Practices

  • Safety belts and lines should be worn to secure persons at any location where a hazard of fall may exist.

  • Protect and guard all openings through which persons may fall.

  • Keep work areas clear of all extraneous materials and other stumbling or slipping hazards.
    • 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 40th fatal accident, reported in calendar year 2001, in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2000, there were 33 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the third fatal accident, classified as slip or fall, reported in the coal mining industry in 2001. At this time in 2000, there were two fatal accidents, classified as slip or fall, 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