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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Saturday, May 11, 2002, a 46-year-old coal hauler operator was fatally injured when transporting coal from the face to the feeder in the SouthWest Mains Section. As the operator was attempting to make a right turn into the crosscut between the number four and three entries, the left rear portion of the coal hauler frame pinched the Joy 14 BU loading machine trailing cable between the right inby rib and the coal hauler. This resulted in the frame of the rubber tired coal hauler becoming energized. The victim apparently exited the machine to check the pinch point, came into contact with the energized machine frame and was electrocuted.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Provide ample clearance or protection for electrical cables located in haulage ways.


  • Examine haulage ways prior to the start of loading to assure that all electrical cables are positioned to prevent them from being contacted by mobile equipment.


  • Should the haulage machine accidentally pinch a power or trailing cable, the following procedures must be followed:

  • Stay in the vehicle you are operating: DO NOT EXIT THE MACHINE !

  • Make sure that all persons remain IN THE CLEAR OF THE DAMAGED CABLE AND MACHINE !


  • Attempt to move the machine away from the cable.


  • If you cannot move the machine away from the pinched/damaged cable, have someone go to the power center to de-energize power to the pinched cable and your machine.
    • 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 12th fatal accident reported in calendar year 2002 for the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were seven fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the second fatal accident in 2002 classified as "Electrical." At this same time in 2001, there was one fatal accident classified as "Electrical" 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