Assistant Mine Foreman, Assistant Mine Manager fatality

March 8, 2015 at 9:00 PM

MARSHALL COUNTY MINE · McElroy Coal Company · Marshall County, WV

Investigator narrative

The 12 East longwall had mined out of seam from 3-10 shield. Shield tip to face had been roof bolted so the coal floor could be removed. The victim was standing with his back to the face. A rib struck the victim measuring 12' long by 4' wide by 1' thick. The victim was a trained and experienced longwall supervisor. The roof control and protective equipment were compliant.

Record details

Classification: FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Accident type: Struck by falling object
Activity at time: Hand Load, Hand Shoveling
Subunit / location: UNDERGROUND
Source of injury: CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE
Nature of injury: FRACTURE,CHIP
Total mining experience: 12.92 years
Experience at this mine: 12.92 years
Experience in this job: 0.69 years
Mine type: Underground
Sector: Coal

Similar incidents in MSHA records· same classification: FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL

February 28, 2025 · Marfork Coal Company, LLC · WV · Bull Gang Foreman, Labor Foreman, Leadman, Section Foreman, Shift Boss
EE had been jack hammering to set a water trap for seals and traded off with coworker to take a break went over to rib sat down when rib roll 68""L x 24"" W x 8"" T came off at spad #3002/7483 on EE striking EE in the chest and abdomen area.
January 29, 2025 · Lexington Coal Company, LLC · WV · Drill Operator
The employee was drilling a test hole in the surface pit floor to see if the rider coal seam was under the seam they were taking. Due to the freezing and thawing of the highwall a large chunk of rock approximately 4'x2'x3' came down striking the enclosed cab of the mobile drill, ripping the cab off and striking the…
August 22, 2024 · Onyx Corporation · MA · Rotary Bucket Excavator Operator
A miner died when a highwall collapsed on the excavator the miner was operating.