On Wednesday, January 28, a 43-year-old continuous mining machine operator with 10 years of mining experience was killed when he was pinned between the conveyor boom of a remote controlled continuous mining machine and a coal rib.

The victim was operating the continuous mining machine from a remote position in the entry and was preparing for the next mining cycle when the accident occurred.

To prevent similar accidents MSHA has also recommended that mine operators avoid “Red Zone” areas when operating or working near a continuous mining machine, especially when moving a remote controlled continuous mining machine.

“Ensure all miners, including the continuous mining machine operator, are outside the machine’s turning radius before starting or moving equipment,” MSHA said in a fatalgram.

“Stay behind moving mobile equipment when travelling in the same entry, and maintain a safe distance from any moving equipment.

“Use low tram speed when moving a continuous mining machine where the left and right traction drives are operated independently. The continuous mining machine pivots quickly when the tracks tram over raised areas of the mine floor.

“Never turn your back to a self-propelled machine or get into an area where it can swing into you.”