The 46-year old utility man with 12 years mining experience was fatally injured when he contacted a moving underground belt conveyor system.
The victim was attempting to install a belt scraper at a tailpiece while the belt was in motion. A chain attached to the scraper was caught by the belt, dragging it and the victim into the tailpiece roller.
MSHA said to avoid a repeat of the accident, miners needed to ensure they never perform work on a moving conveyor belt and to always de-energize equipment and use lockout and tag-out procedures.
MSHA said to ensure that power is off with a visual disconnect before any work is performed on such equipment.
"Think before you act - always identify safety hazards before beginning any work task.
Ensure that machinery is blocked against motion before performing maintenance or repairs,” MSHA said.
At the time of the accident, the Buchanan coal fatality numbered 19, with two more deaths in September and October lifting the toll to 21 for the year.
