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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, September 28, 1998, at approximately 5:35 a.m., a 23 year old Power Mover, with four months experience, was fatally injured when a piece of rock measuring 89 inches long, 53 inches wide and 6 to 14 inches in thickness fell on him. At the time of the accident, the victim was in the process of installing steel arches in an area where a roof fall had previously occurred.

BEST PRACTICES
  • Never work or travel under unsupported roof.

  • Prior to any work being started, loose material should be scaled from the roof.

  • When installing arches, all work should be done while under supported roof, or from the protection or previously installed arches.
  • This is the 22nd fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1997, there were 24 fatalities. This is the tenth fatality classified as ROOF FALL in 1998.

    For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL98C22]