On Monday, May 10, 2010, a 55 year old continuous mining machine operator, with approximately 37 years of mining experience, received crushing injuries when he was pinned between a shuttle car and a coal rib. As the loaded shuttle car turned into the last open crosscut, the victim was positioned in the outside turn radius of the shuttle car and was crushed between the shuttle car and the coal rib. The victim passed away on Friday, May 21, 2010 while hospitalized.
Best Practices
- Make a visual check to ensure all persons are in the clear, and sound the warning device before mobile equipment is trammed, especially in areas where visibility is limited.
- Ensure good communication between continuous mining machine operators and shuttle car operators so that each is aware of each other’s movements.
- Wear reflective clothing to aid visibility when working around mobile equipment.
- Use approved translucent curtains made to allow mobile equipment to tram through.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report (pdf)