All MSHA-reportable accidents at Appalachian Fuels, LLC operations in 2009. Fatalities appear first.
MECHANIC WAS TRYING TO TAKE A TRACK APART AT THE MASTER LINK. THE MACHINE HAD A DEAD BATTERY AND WOULD NOT START. INSTEAD OF MOVING MACHINE UNTIL MASTER LINK WAS IN POSITION RECOMMENDED IN SERVICE MANUAL, THE MECHANIC STOOD ON TOP OF THE TRACK AND REMOVED THE BOLTS. WHEN HE REMOVED THE LAST BOLT THE TRACK CAME APART AND LAUNCHED HIM OFF OF THE MACHINE.
Victim was removing the cutting edge from a 980 loader bucket. He was on next to the last bolt when the cutting edge swung down and struck him on the top of his left foot. He went to his family doctor and was sent for an X-ray which showed no broken bones, bruises only. Missed 3 days work to allow swelling to subside.
Victim was driving a powder truck up an incline. There was loose material on the roadway, which caused the truck to lose traction. The truck rolled back onto the berm and overturned onto the passenger side. Victim's safety glasses caused a laceration above right eye. Required 4 stitches to close.