Skip to content
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, March 4, 1999, a 41 year-old section foreman with twenty-three year of experience was fatally injured by a fall of roof. While assisting the crew of the dual-head roof bolting machine, the foreman travel from the right side operator's position toward the left side operator's position, in front of the Automated Temporary Roof Support System (ATRS), under unsupported mine roof. The victim was struck by a piece of the mine roof which measured ten and one-half feet in width by eight feet in length by nine inches in thickness.

MHSA - Fatal Alert Bulletin Photo
BEST PRACTICES
  • Never - Work or travel under unsupported roof.

  • Always - Know and follow the provisions of your approved Roof Control Plan. Take additional measures to protect yourself if unusual hazards or conditions are encountered.

    This is the 6th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 7 fatalities. This is the first fatality classified as Roof Fall in 1999.

  • For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C06]