Lw Propman

A fatal accident occurred on the longwall face around #144 shield. A ladder line hose got pinched under the toe of the #144 shield. EE did not see hose under shield and initiated the electronic push of the pan-line. The hose that was pinched under the toe of the shield, stretched by movement of pan-line, broke apart and high pressure emulsion fluid struck victim as he traveled by.

On Saturday, November 23, 2013, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Ryan Lashley (victim), a 32-year-old longwall shieldman, was struck by hydraulic fluid resulting in fatal injuries. Lashley was executing a “push” of the panline toward the face as he followed the shearer towards the headgate. Lashley activated the panline push inby the No. 144 shield. A high pressure hydraulic hose that connects the shield hydraulic circuit to the ring main circuit (ladder line) was in the walkway in front of the shield pontoon. The No. 144 shield tailgate pontoon advanced on top of the ladder line and pressurized against the roof, pinching the hose between the pontoon and mine floor. As Lashley passed the No. 144 shield, the pinched hose ruptured. Fluid from the hose struck the victim, resulting in fatal injuries. The primary cause of the accident was the mine operator’s failure to adequately secure the high pressure hose to prevent damage by moving machine components.

1. The mine operator failed to assure ladder lines were installed and maintained in a manner to prevent contact with longwall shields.

   Corrective action: The mine operator removed the ladder lines along the face which were previously located between the headgate and tailgate. If the operator determines ladder lines are necessary to maintain adequate hydraulic pressure, the company has developed a means to assure the ladder lines will not be struck by the shield pontoons. Ladder lines will be suspended from longwall shields with a wire rope, chain, or other suitable means to prevent contact with shield pontoons.

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

Activity at time of incident

Advance Roof Support-Longwall

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

FACE

Mining method

Longwall

Accident type

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Source of injury

COAL & PETROL PRODUCT,(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Nature of injury

CUT,LACER,PUNCT-OPN WOUND

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

5 years

Experience at this mine

5 years

Experience in this job

2 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY