Bulldozer Operator

While operating a dozer on the Nolans Run slurry impoundment saddle, the ground on which he was working suddenly and unexpectedly gave way, causing the dozer to fall into the water. The victim was unaccounted for until his body was located in the dozer' s cab and was ultimately recovered on December 14, 2012.

1. The construction of the Western Saddle Dike was not performed in accordance with the approved plan. The initial pushout of CCR was not placed on an exposed fine refuse delta and the operator continued to place fill on the completed pad prior to the installation of the piezometer.

2. The mine operator’s plan did not have procedures in place to stop construction once pore pressure readings exceeded the allowable pressure in the approved plan.

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

Activity at time of incident

Bulldozer

Subunit / location

SURFACE AT UNDERGROUND

Accident type

Drowning

Source of injury

WATER

Nature of injury

SUFFOC,SMOK INHILAT,DROWN

Body part affected

BODY SYSTEMS

Total mining experience

37 years

Experience at this mine

37 years

Experience in this job

2 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY