On September 11, 2012, at approximately 10:15 a.m., a fatal accident occurred while moving longwall equipment at the Drummond Company, Inc., Shoal Creek Mine. A 28 year old miner was killed when he was crushed between the coal rib and a large power center, weighing approximately 30 tons.
Best Practices
- Prior to beginning any work activity, train the miners to perform the task-at-hand safely.
- STAY OUT of areas where clearance is tight (pinch points) and visibility is limited when haulage equipment is being operated to move large equipment and/or components.
- Ensure that equipment operators establish good communications between themselves and other miners that may be working around or near their equipment.
- While moving equipment, ensure that all persons are located safely out of the route of travel, especially with limited visibility.
- Ensure that all large equipment and/or components are secured adequately to prevent unintended motion when being moved.
- Inspect the mine floor properly in areas where large equipment and/or components will be transported to identify any irregularities that may cause unexpected movement of the equipment and/or components being moved, or with the machinery being operated to move the equipment.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf).