West Virginia Mine Cited in Mechanic’s Death

An Alpha Natural Resources subsidiary has been issued safety citations in a mechanic’s fatal fall at a West Virginia coal processing plant.

The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration cited Independence Coal Co. in the May 17 death of 57-year-old Clyde Dolin of Danville.

The Charleston Gazette reports Dolin was preparing to use a torch to remove a steal beam above the third floor at the Liberty plant near Uneeda in Boone County. Dolin was using a ladder extension without its base.

MSHA cited the company for improper use of the ladder, failing to provide safe access to the beam and failing to require Dolin to wear a safety belt and line.

A spokesman for Virginia-based Alpha says no decision has been made on whether to appeal the citations.