Coal Mine Serious Accident 2011-1

Operator: Webster County Coal, LLCMine: DotikiAccident Date: January 7, 2011Classification: MachineryDistrict: MadisonvilleMine Type: UndergroundEmployment: 413SE

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W• On Friday, January 7, 2011, a 41 year old continuous miner

operator, with approximately 7 years of mining experience, was seriously injured while operating a continuous miner.

• The victim had been turning a crosscut when he was struck by a shuttle car.

• He had been standing behind the continuous miner checking the directional site line (centers) at the time he was struck by the car.

• The continuous miner unintentionally cut a dip in the mine floor, which allowed mud to accumulate. The car became stuck and had to reverse direction before proceeding to the dump area.

• The shuttle car operator failed to change positions in the operator’s compartment of the shuttle car in order to face the direction of travel and therefore did not see the miner operator behind him.

• The continuous miner operator’s leg was amputated as a result of his injuries.

Continuous Miner

Roof Bolter

As the car was trammed toward the continuous miner when it struck the victim, pinning him to the rear corner of the machine, resulting in serious injuries.

The victim loaded the shuttle car with coal from the cut.As the shuttle car attempted to leave the area the victim went to check the center line in the crosscut as the car became stuck.

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Coal Mine Serious Accident 2011-1AC

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ES 1. Equipment operators shall face the direction of travel prior to

equipment being set into motion.

2. Equipment operators shall communicate with one another while working in close proximity to each other.

3. Continuous miner operators shall be positioned in a place that affords them maximum protection.