The fatality occurred on Thursday, January 22, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on the surface of an underground coal mine.

The 29-year-old laborer with seven years experience was operating an Eimco 975 diesel-powered utility vehicle to obtain a water tank trailer when he collided with the canopy of a longwall shield that was stored in the supply yard. The collision resulted in fatal injuries. The utility vehicle was not equipped with a protective cab or canopy.

MSHA said to ensure a similar accident does not re-occur mine should adhere to the following:

Ensure that surface work areas are sufficiently illuminated at night so that obstacles can be clearly seen.

Equipment operators should always look in the direction of movement.

Design and arrange equipment storage yards to provide safe access and egress.

Equipment operators should be aware of their surroundings and any potential hazards.

Routinely monitor work habits and examine work areas to ensure that safe work procedures are being followed.

In addition to mandatory applications, consider providing protective cabs, canopies, or vertical intrusion shielding pipes on mobile equipment whenever mining height permits.

This powered haulage accident is the second fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the U.S. coal mining industry.