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The unnamed worker, who had 18 years of mining experience, was working to clear topsoil for an upcoming blast at Oxford Mining’s No. 3 operation in Perry County, Ohio, December 3 when the dozer he was operating went over the highwall and fell about ft into the pit.
The victim was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the bulldozer,” the US Mine Safety and Health Administration said in its preliminary investigation findings.
The victim, who was hospitalized with a collapsed lung, broken neck and broken ribs, died from his injuries on December 6, 2011 at a local hospital.
To help prevent future similar incidents at other US operations, MSHA compiled several best practices including a reminder for workers to always be aware of their location and proximity to the highwall.
“When operating a bulldozer close to an edge, always keep the blade between you and the edge,” investigators said.
“Bulldozer operators should not operate their machines parallel to the edge of highwalls.”
For those performing work, MSHA stressed marking travel limits with reflectors of pylons and using a spotter to warn equipment operators when they approach the highwall’s edge.
Operators should ensure the ground control plan is adequate for the mining conditions. Regular ground condition examinations are vital, as well as additional checks during the work shift to check for changes in conditions.
Finally, MSHA said, seat belts should always be worn by operators, and no person should ever jump out of a piece of equipment.
For additional best practices, operations can visit MSHA’s single-source page on bulldozer hazards and safety information.
Federal officials encourage anyone with additional prevention ideas to submit them through its web site, including the year of the fatality and the fatality number.
The fatality was the 20th in coal in 2011 and the eighth to be classified by MSHA as a machinery death.
According to MSHA data, Oxford Mining and the No. 3 operation are controlled by Charles Ungurean. The surface operation produces bituminous coal.
Oxford Mining is owned by Oxford Resources.
