A thorough examination of the roof, consisting of a visual examination and a sound and vibration test, should be conducted prior to miners being assigned to work or travel through an area.
If any hazardous roof, rib, or face conditions are detected, adequate measures should be taken to correct these conditions before any other work or travel is permitted through the affected area.
All miners approved to perform work underground should be thoroughly trained to recognize roof and rib hazards.
This is the 32nd fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 29 fatalities. This is the 12th fatality classified as FALL OF ROOF/RIB in 1999.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C32]