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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Saturday, April 3, 2004, at approximately 11:40 p.m., a 47-year old continuous mining machine operator was fatally injured when he was crushed between the machine cutting head and the coal rib. The victim was apparently positioning the machine while standing near the front looking back toward the boom. The machine was going to be used to mine the No. 2 to 1 crosscut straight from the No. 3 to 2 crosscut.

Diagram of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tramming remote-controlled continuous mining machines.
  • Train the production crew in the SOP and ensure that it is followed.
  • Tram mining machine from a safe location to avoid pinch points.
  • Ensure everyone is outside the machine turning radius before starting or moving the 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 7th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the coal mining industry. As of the accident date in 2003, there were 9 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 3rd fatality classified as Machinery in 2004. At this time in 2003, there were no fatalities classified as Machinery.

    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