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COAL MINE FATALITY - On June 20, 2003, a 32-year old section foreman with 13 years mining experience was fatally injured when he was run over by a scoop. The victim was found laying in the last open crosscut between the No. 2 and No. 3 entries. He was last seen working on centerlines for the advancing continuous haulage section.

Diagram of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ensure that personnel maintain themselves at a safe distance from moving machinery, particularly near active roadways.
  • Maintain clear visibility with all personnel in your vicinity when operating mobile equipment.
  • Never position yourself in an area or location where equipment operators cannot readily see you.
  • 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 17th fatal accident reported in calendar year 2003 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2002, there were 14 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the fifth fatal accident classified as powered haulage reported in the coal mining industry in 2003. At this time in 2002, there were four fatal accidents classified as powered haulage 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