Outside Foreman

Individual was hit by fly rock while setting off a shot.

Stephen W. Hetzler, Lead Man, age 63, was killed on December 4, 2013. He initiated a blast and was struck by flyrock. Hetzler was standing 153 feet away from the lead holes of the blast. The largest rock that struck Hetzler weighed approximately 96 pounds. The accident occurred because management failed to establish safe work procedures for persons to follow during blasting activities at the mine. The victim was using his work cellular phone to video record the blast. Hetzler was positioned too close to the blast and was not provided a blasting shelter to protect him from flyrock.

1. Management did not ensure the driller and blaster communicated to construct the blast as it was designed. Since explosives generate such a large amount of energy (76 million horsepower per pound), the blast construction needed to be accurate and in solid burden. The driller did not report to the blaster the noted poor geology and back break.

   Corrective action: Management developed and implemented a Blasting Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that includes requirements for a driller’s log. The procedures outline responsibilities for safe blasting procedures including explosives handling and blasting security. The driller’s log will be used when the driller and blaster communicate regarding any irregularities the driller finds that the blaster may encounter while loading and stemming blast holes. All persons involved in blasting were trained regarding the SOP.

2. Management did not ensure persons were protected from flyrock from the blast. The victim was recording the blast, standing 153 feet away from it and was not provided a blasting shelter.

   Corrective action: Management developed and implemented a Blasting SOP, addressing the positioning of miners during blasting procedures. Miners will be located at least 1,000 feet from the blast area. The blaster will always be located inside a blasting shelter. The SOP also addresses communications of the blaster with the other miners to clear the blast area before the blast is initiated. All persons involved in blasting were trained regarding the SOP.

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

Activity at time of incident

Blasting, Shoot Coal

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck by flying object

Source of injury

BROKEN ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

TRUNK, MULTIPLE PARTS

Total mining experience

11 years

Experience at this mine

7 years

Experience in this job

5 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY