Trapped Worker Rescued, Able to Walk Away

June 8, 2004
It is a happy ending for a PSEG Power heavy equipment operator who was trapped when the bulldozer he was operating became partially submerged in a coal storage pile at Mercer Generating Station in Hamilton Township, N.J.

The worker, whose name is being withheld pending notification of his family, was able to walk away from the scene after the rescue operation, and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. He apparently sustained injuries to his right arm.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:05 on June 7, when coal gave way underneath the bulldozer the worker was operating. Rescue workers from the Trenton Fire Department's Rescue One unit reached the bulldozer and extracted the worker at approximately 11 a.m. A full investigation into the incident has been initiated.

Michael J. Thomson, president of PSEG Fossil, commended the Trenton Fire Department rescue team and other local, county and state police, fire, and rescue agencies for their quick response and professionalism. "They did a great job under difficult conditions and we are grateful for their efforts," said Thomson.

Mercer Generating Station is a 600-megawatt coal-fueled generating facility. The station was not operating at the time of the incident.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

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