Maintenance Man

Employee was removing an electrical motor using a chain hoist suspended from a cross brace when the cross brace became unsecured and struck the employee.

On May 21, 2020, at approximately 12:30 p.m., John C. Corbin, a 60-year-old mine employee with 27 years of mining experience, was injured when an unsecured overhead steel pipe slid out of place and struck him. Corbin died due to complications from his injuries on May 23, 2020. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not ensure equipment was blocked against hazardous motion. The mine operator also did not provide adequate task training.

1. The mine operator did not ensure that repairs were performed after the equipment was blocked against hazardous motion. The mine operator also did not provide appropriate equipment or establish safe procedures for the task of moving heavy components on the platform.

   Corrective action: The mine operator installed a new lifting and anchor system for handling heavy components at the head drive of the number 11 belt conveyor.

2. The mine operator did not adequately task train miners in safe work procedures for the task.

   Corrective action: The mine operator revised the training plan and instructed the miners in the safety and health aspects and safe work procedures for the task. The mine operator will provide appropriate additional task training when the new system is installed.

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

Activity at time of incident

Idle

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

LAST OPEN CROSSCUT

Mining method

Conventional Stoping

Accident type

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Source of injury

METAL,(Not Elsewhere Classified)(PIPE,WIRE,NAIL)

Nature of injury

FRACTURE,CHIP

Body part affected

NECK

Total mining experience

27 years

Experience at this mine

19 years

Experience in this job

8 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY