Employee was shoveling spillage at a feeder in the Prep. Plant. As EE was shoveling coal fines onto the belt EE twisted and felt a ""pop"" in the left side of EE's abdomen. EE later discovered a knot had appeared in the area. EE didn't violate any rules or regulations & was wearing required PPE but failed to use proper shoveling technique. Employee has been diagnosed with a hernia.