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Coal Mine Fatality - On Sunday, September 26, 2004, a 46-year old utility man with 12 years mining experience was fatally injured when he contacted a moving underground belt conveyor system. The victim was attempting to install a belt scraper at a tailpiece while the belt was in motion. A chain attached to the scraper was caught by the belt, dragging it and the victim into the tailpiece roller.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Never perform work on a moving conveyor belt!
  • Always de-energize equipment and use lockout and tag-out procedures! Ensure that power is off with a visual disconnect before any work is performed on such equipment.
  • "Think before you act" - Always identify safety hazards before beginning any work task.
  • Ensure that machinery is blocked against motion before performing maintenance or repairs.
  • Follow company safety procedures.
  • Stay out of areas along a moving conveyor belt where clearance is restricted.
    • 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 19th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the coal mining industry. As of the accident date in 2003, there were 27 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 7th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2004. At this time in 2003, there were 9 fatalities classified as Powered Haulage.

    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