Coal Mine Serious Accident 2011-3

Operator: Excel Mining, LLCMine: Mine No. 3Accident Date: November 29, 2011Injured: Travis w. PiggClassification: MachineryDistrict: PikevilleMine Type: UndergroundEmployment: 265SE

RIO

US

ACCI

DEN

T 20

11-3

Coal Mine Serious Accident 2011-3OVERVIEW

• On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, a 32 year old continuous miner operator, with approximately 9 years of mining experience, was seriously injured while operating a continuous miner.

• The victim was taking the 2nd cut from a crosscut.

• The haul road was inclined along the roadway the shuttle car traveled while going to the dump area.

• The victim was positioned next to the corner of the crosscut when the loaded shuttle car left the continuous miner.

• The shuttle car fell out of tram and rolled down hill pinning the continuous miner operator between the front of the car and the corner of the coal pillar.

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

Coal Mine Serious Accident 2011-3AC

CID

ENT

PHO

TOS

Continuous MinerShuttle Car

Roof Bolter

Continuous Miner Operator (Victim)

The Accident Scene

No. 5 Entry No. 6 Entry No. 7 Entry

The shuttle car rolled backward, struck the victim pinning him to the corner of the coal pillar causing serious injuries.

Coal Mine Serious Accident 2011-3B

ES

T P

RA

CT

ICE

S

• Operators of self-propelled mobile equipment shall maintain control of the equipment while it is in motion.

• Good communication shall be maintained between equipment operators – each person needs to be aware of the other’s movements.

• Continuous miner operator’s shall be aware of their location in relation to moving equipment.

• Roadways shall be maintained free of loose coal and extraneous materials on the mine floor.