Federal officials’ final report on the death of a miner in Boone County indicated dangerous work conditions were paired with inadequate inspections and training.
On Jan. 29, 55-year-old Steven Fields died after a rock fell from a highway and struck the cab of the drill he was operating at Twilight Mine, owned by the Lexington Coal Company. The U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration report said the mine operator failed to work in a safe area, scale hazardous areas, properly examine the highwall or provide adequate training to Fields. The MSHA looked into Fields’ background, noting 20 years of experience, including eight weeks at Twilight. Eyewitness News said the MSHA has issued a corrective action plan, which includes a revised ground control plan and training. The coal company was issued orders and citations following the investigation.