MSHA says mechanic's death at mine could have been avoided
Worker crushed by 11,000-lb. equipment
A coal mine worker killed while removing a fuel tank/counter weight from a Caterpillar end loader died because proper work procedures were not followed, according to an investigation just concluded by the Mine Safety and Health Admininstration (MSHA).
That fatal accident at the Guyan mine in Logan County, West Virginia claimed the life of 37-year-old mechanic Richard L. Young on May 14, 2011. According to the MSHA report released today, Young and another mechanic were preparing the machine to remove the fuel tank, which was suspected to contain contaminants. Young placed himself under the machine and was removing bolts when the 11,685 pound counter weight fell on him, crushing him.