FATAL ACCIDENT NO. 7

Coal Mine Fatal Accident Operator: Hubble Mining Company, LLC Mine: No. 9 Accident Date: November 7, 2011 Classification: Machinery District: Hazard Mine Type: Underground Employment: 19 ACCIDENT REVIEW 2011

Coal Mine Fatal Accident OVERVIEW On Monday, November 7, 2011, a 47 year old mine foreman, with approximately 26 years of mining experience, was killed when he was pinned between a battery-powered, rubber-tire personnel carrier and a coal rib. The personnel carrier had become stuck while the operator was attempting to back the machine up. The victim was positioned on his knees in front of the personnel carrier next to the coal rib. Wooden crib blocks had fallen onto the control pedals and restricted their use. When the operator placed the directional switch in forward, the personnel carrier took off at a high rate of speed, striking the victim resulting in fatal injuries.

Coal Mine Fatal Accident ACCIDENT PHOTOS

The victim was positioned on his knees next to the coal pillar (rib) in front of the personnel carrier as it moved backwards away from the coal pillar. The crew loaded the cribbing material onto the front of the personnel carrier. When the operator placed the directional switch in the forward position, the personnel carrier took off at a high rate of speed, striking the victim resulting in fatal injuries. The section conveyor belt Scoop The personnel carrier became stuck on loose debris left on the mine floor during the removal of the section coal feeder. The scoop was used to push the personnel carrier away from the victim.

BEST PRACTICES 1. Never transport supplies or extraneous materials in a vehicle or on top of equipment that is not appropriate for the task. 2. Never obstruct the vision of the equipment operator with the load. 3. Do not operate a vehicle with debris, loose material, or trash in the operators compartment. 4. Never position yourself in an area or location where equipment operators cannot readily see you. 5. Be aware of your location in relation to movement of equipment, especially in lower coal seams. 6. Train miners to use effective means of communication between themselves and equipment operators. 7. When operating mobile equipment, ensure that other workers are in a safe area before moving the equipment. 8. Conduct Task Training for each type of personnel carrier or equipment being operated.