COAL MINE FATALITY - On Tuesday, November 28, 2006, a 50-year old haul truck operator was fatally injured while the victim was dumping coal waste material in the spoil dump in Pit 3 West. Condensation in the air lines froze and the brakes would not release. The victim exited the cab of the haul truck. The brakes finally released. The victim sustained fatal crushing injuries when the driver's side rear tandem wheels of the Caterpillar 789B Haul Truck he was operating came to rest on top of him.
When temperatures fall below freezing, drain condensation from air compressors at least every shift. Maintain dryer systems and change out desiccant filters to prevent moisture from accumulating in air hoses and valves. Ensure methanol levels are maintained in methanol air dryers to de-ice lines. Never exit a vehicle without engaging the parking brake.
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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. |
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This is the 46th fatality reported during calendar year 2006 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2005, there were 16 fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the eighth fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2006. At this time in 2005, there were seven fatalities in this classification.
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:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report