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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, October 30, 2000, a 46-year old shuttle car operator, with 25 years mining experience, was fatally injured when struck by a piece of falling roof rock. The victim was helping load a battery charger into a scoop bucket when the accident occurred. The roof rock fell out from between installed roof bolts striking the victim. The roof rock that fell broke into two pieces. One piece measured approximately 42" x 45" x 1 3/4" thick and the other measured approximately 47" x 54" x 1/4" thick.

Best Practices

  • A thorough examination of roof and ribs should be conducted prior to anyone entering outby areas for scheduled work. The examination should include both a visual exam of the roof and ribs and a sound and vibration test of the mine roof. All identified hazards should be reported to the supervisor.

  • All persons should know and follow the requirements of the approved roof control plan at all times.

    • More Information
    E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program
    		 Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.


    This is the 33rd fatality reported in calendar year 2000 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1999, there were 31 fatalities. This is the 3rd fatal accident classified as a roof fall reported in the coal mining industry in 2000. At this time in 1999, there were 8 roof fall fatal accidents reported in the coal mining industry.


    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.



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