District 5 - Coal Mine Safety and Health
A Near Miss
An auger crew prepared to mine coal on October 19, 1999. The foreman made the requisite inspections prior to moving the auger into the pit. The crew mined approximately 40 feet into the first hole when they noticed small rocks dribbling from the highwall. The foreman stopped the mining to observe the wall; rock continued to dribble. The crew was withdrawn to a safe location before approximately 200 tons of shale and small trees fell on the auger and conveyor. Although the auger sustained extensive structural damage, no miners were injured.
- Thoroughly inspect the highwall for potential hazards prior to mining.
- Highwalls tend to become unstable during inclement weather conditions such as freezing, thawing, and periods of excessive rainfall.
- Constantly check the wall for signs of movement and possible collapsing.
- Use extra caution when mining in the vicinity of old mine openings.
- Be especially observant when excessive dry weather has caused the top soil and cap shale to dry to a brittle consistency.