Coal mining was once known as one of the more dangerous career choices a person could make. Companies in West Virginia have taken steps to reduce the risk of coal mine accidents, with injury reports in the last year being the lowest ever. Even with extra safety procedures in place, injuries may still occur. A recent accident in a neighboring state resulted in the death of a 43-year-old man.
The accident occurred in an underground coal mine where a man was operating a conveyor belt. Early investigations suggest the man was loading coal onto the belt when he became tangled with a roller, leading to his death. There were no other workers nearby at the time of the accident. According to reports, this was the first mining death in the country in 2017.
The mine has been closed while investigation into the incident is being performed. There have been no indications of defective equipment so far. Even with strict regulations enforced by the Mine and Safety Health Administration, coal miners face many risks at work. Proper training procedures go a long way in preventing accidents, but one moment of negligence can have disastrous results.
Workers who are injured in coal mine accidents often face times of significant financial burden. Families in West Virginia who have lost a loved one under similar circumstances typically have extensive medical and/or funeral expenses, and they may seek relief through the workers’ compensation insurance system. Since this can be complex, families often choose to consult an experienced attorney for assistance in navigating the process.
Source: powderbulksolids.com, “Conveyor Operator Death is First Mining Fatality of 2017“, Feb. 1, 2017
