Investigators observed a red smudged chalk mark on the mine roof, 48 inches inby the last roof bolt on the left side of the entry, indicating the roof bolting machine operator traveled inby roof support to mark the roof bolt placement. While in the unsupported face area, the roof bolting machine operator was struck and killed by a slab of slickensided gray-shale roof.
Never work or travel under unsupported roof.
This is the fourth fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1997 there were 2 fatalities. This is the second fatality classified as ROOF FALL in 1998.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL98C04]