Posted on Wed, May. 07, 2008

Massey subsidiary cited for 3 violations in W.Va. mine fatal

The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. --

Coal operator Massey Energy Co. has been cited for safety violations that federal investigators say contributed to the death of a West Virginia miner late last year.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration found the violations while investigating a Dec. 4 accident at an underground Massey mine in Kanawha County. Miner David Neal fell about 39 feet when a conveyer belt he was repairing started unexpectedly. The 57-year-old died 10 days later.

MSHA noted a series of problems at the mine in a report released Wednesday. Among other things, MSHA cited Massey's Mammoth Coal Co. because the belt had inadequate startup alarms, including one that wasn't working, according to the report.

Inspectors also cited the mine after finding the power to the belt hadn't been turned off before Neal started work and the circuit breaker had a broken handle, making it inoperable.

Massey spokesman Jeff Gillenwater declined immediate comment on the report. However, he noted in an e-mail that the company has conducted additional training on procedures for locking and tagging equipment and using fall protection equipment.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Neal family and our focus continues to be on preventing accidents," Gillenwater said.

Massey, the nation's No. 4 coal producer by revenue, operates mining complexes in West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky.

MSHA has not yet assessed penalties for the violations, according to its Web site.

The state of West Virginia fined Massey nearly $4,500 in March for safety violations turned up during its investigation of the accident. The state Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training determined Massey violated its rules by failing to turn off power to the belt, failing to lock the belt in place, having a broken startup alarm and broken power supply switch, and failing to provide a safety harness.

Neal was one of 32 coal miners to die on the job in the United States last year, according to MSHA. The agency lists eight coal mining deaths this year.