Section Foreman fatality at MARSHALL COUNTY MINE (McElroy Coal Company), WV, October 4, 2013

While in the process of pulling top chain onto the longwall conveyor panline, the chain became fouled. While examining the area, an apparent failure of the sheave anchor point may have occurred allowing the rope and sheave to be propelled forward. An unknown portion of the assembly apparently struck the injured causing fatal injuries.

1. The mine operator did not ensure that safe work policies and procedures were in place to assure persons are located at a safe distance away from ropes when tension is applied and to assure that persons are trained in these procedures.

   Corrective action: The mine operator revised its written policies and procedures to require all persons be located away from an object being pulled at least 1.5 times the distance of the working rope, chain, or sling as assurance to remain clear. The miners were trained regarding this requirement.

2. The mine operator did not ensure that safe work procedures were in place to assure adequate, industry accepted connections were made when using cables or chains to pull heavy loads and to assure that persons are trained in the procedures.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed a corrective action plan to address the adequacy of connection points. The action plan requires the anchor point to be near the centerline of the “pull” activity taking place and utilize a fully enclosed hook with a clevis. All affected miners were trained in the procedures.

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Supervise

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

FACE

Mining method

Longwall

Accident type

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Source of injury

DRUM,PULY,SHEAVE-NT CONVY

Nature of injury

FRACTURE,CHIP

Body part affected

SKULL

Total mining experience

42 years

Experience at this mine

17 years

Experience in this job

17 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY

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