Massey subsidiary cited in mine fatal

CHARLESTON -- 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. 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.