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COAL MINE FATALITY - On December 28, 2002, a 23 year-old welder with 3 years mining experience was fatally injured while he was working inside the bed of an 85-ton truck. A hydraulic excavator being used to facilitate the work, suddenly moved, catching the victim between the bucket and the bed of the truck.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Mine operators must insure that all persons are adequately trained before operating mobile equipment

  • Safe work practices for repair and maintenance work should be developed and all affected persons should be trained in the procedures prior to performing the work.

  • Always be aware of your location and route of escape when positioned within the range of motion of mobile equipment.

  • Make sure all persons are clear before starting or moving equipment.

  • Always utilize recommended lock-out procedures when leaving the controls of mobile equipment.
    • 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 27th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were 42 fatalities. This is the 5th fatality classified as Machinery in 2002. At this time in 2001 there were four fatal accidents classified as "Machinery" for 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