The first fatality occurred on April 7 when a 53-year old mobile bridge operator with 32 years mining experience was fatally injured after he exited the mobile bridge machine he was operating during a pause in production.
Another mobile bridge operator restarted the system and the victim was later found entangled in the dolly and the low-low belt portion of the system.
MSHA said operators should follow the below best practices to avoid future similar accidents:
- Ensure the lead bridge operator receives voice confirmation from all bridge operators before activating the continuous face haulage system.
- Disable the continuous face haulage system before leaving the operator's compartment.
- Install and maintain "position occupied" switches or devices designed to prevent all system movement when any operator leaves their cab.
- Develop processes, involving all miners, designed to proactively identify and eliminate hazards and unacceptable risks.
The second fatality occurred on the same day when a 49-year old foreman with 28 years mining experience was fatally injured while operating a 14 ton locomotive on a main line track.
Prior to the accident, a steel I-Beam used for roof support was dislodged and protruded into the roadway. The locomotive struck the I-Beam causing damage to the cab and fatally injuring the operator.
MSHA have issued the following best practices:
- Maintain adequate clearance for all powered haulage equipment.
- Conduct proper workplace and travelway examinations to identify, record, and correct close clearances, poor roof conditions and loose or broken roof support materials.
- Secure steel roof support beams and headers with straps or hitches to prevent accidental dislodging.
- Develop processes, involving all miners, designed to proactively identify and eliminate hazards and unacceptable risks.
