Scoop Tram Operator

In the Main A section, number 5 entry in the intersection of crosscut 139 at station spad #2994. While walking past a rib, a rock measuring approximately 5'x2'x18" fell out striking the victim.

On March 2, 2022, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Paul Springer, a 44 year-old scoop operator with approximately 15 years of mining experience was fatally injured when a rock brow (an overhanging rock from the pillar rib) fell and struck him. At the time of the accident, Springer was positioned between a roof bolting machine and the mine rib. The accident occurred because the mine operator was unable to detect the hazard presented by the rock brow due to its shape and lack of visible cracks or separations.

1. The mine operator was unable to detect the hazard presented by the rock brow due to its shape and lack of visible cracks or separations.

   Corrective action: The mine operator trained all miners to identify this specific type of rock brow. The mine operator proposed, and MSHA approved, an amendment to their roof control plan that addresses adequately supporting ribs and rock brows in areas that have loose material in the roof due to adverse roof and rib conditions. When rock brows are encountered during mining they will be removed, if possible. If a rock brow cannot be removed, it will be secured during the roof bolting cycle. The roof bolters will be informed of the rock brow before they enter the cut. If it cannot be supported, the rock brow will be dangered off immediately and recorded by the end of the shift. The mine operator trained all miners on this amendment to their roof control plan.

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

Activity at time of incident

Walking, Running

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

INTERSECTION

Mining method

Continuous Mining

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

CHEST (RIBS/BREAST BONE/CHEST ORGNS)

Total mining experience

15 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

8 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY