In a final investigation report, the US Mine Safety and Health Administration

confirmed that 30-year mining veteran Jerry Watts received fatal blunt force trauma injuries when he was struck by a metal liner, a component of the push blade being repaired on a Caterpillar D10R at T&T Energy’s Begley Resources No. 1 mine in Hyden, Leslie County, the morning of January 26.

“The accident investigation team determined that while conducting repairs on the bulldozer push blade’s metal liner, the victim positioned himself partially between the metal liner and the push blade,” MSHA said.

“A hydraulic jack used to support the metal liner slipped, allowing the metal liner to retract and strike the victim.”

Watts was a contractor from Watts Welding and Fabricating of Slemp, Kentucky.

A toxicology report indicated that Watts had cannabinoids and methadone in his system, though investigators did not indicate if either contributed to the incident.

MSHA also found deficiencies in the worker’s training records, though it confirmed that incomplete required training under 30 CFR Section 48.31 and 30 CFR Section 48.27 were not contributory to the event.

“The accident occurred because the mine operator failed to ensure that the contract welder blocked or secured the metal liner on the push blade of the bulldozer against motion,” investigators concluded,” it said.

“The accident investigation team concluded that the hydraulic jack used to support the metal liner slipped, creating a recoil action of the metal liner. The injuries received from the blunt force trauma caused the death of the victim.”

As a result of its findings, MSHA ordered the operator to establish and implement written safety procedures and provide additional training to the affected miners for blocking and securing mobile equipment or components prior to repairs.

T&T was issued a federal 104(d)1 order for a violation of 30 CFR Section 77.405(b) because it failed to ensure the contract welder securely blocked in position the blade’s metal liner component.

The Begley Resources No. 1 surface mine, which had 38 miners working at the time of the accident, produces about 1000 tons of coal per day from the Hazard No. 8, Hazard No. 9 and Hazard No. 10 coal seams.

The mine’s last regular safety and health inspection was completed on December 11, 2012.

Its Non Fatal Days Lost incidence rate for 2012 was 0, versus the national average of 1.04 for mines of the same type.