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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday June 27, 2001, a 29 year old continuous mining machine operator, with approximately 3 years mining experience, was fatally injured in a fall of roof accident. A piece of rock, measuring approximately 27 feet long by 12 feet wide and 0 to 18 inches in thickness, fell from the mine roof and pinned the miner operator to the floor. The roof fall occurred while mining an extended cut with a remote controlled continuous miner. The victim had positioned himself inby the last row of permanent roof supports.

See Diagram of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • All miners should be instructed to never work or travel inby permanent roof support.


  • All miners should be trained in the requirements of the approved roof control plan, and should be instructed to follow the plan at all times.


  • All miners should be properly trained in hazard recognition and safe work practices.
    • 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 10th fatal accident, reported in calendar year 2001, in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2000, there were 16 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 5th fatal accident, classified as Fall of Roof or Back, reported in the coal mining industry in 2001. At this time in 2000, there was one fatal accident, classified as Fall of Roof or Back, 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