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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, August 27, 2001, a 47-year old continuous mining machine operator, with approximately 25 years mining experience, was fatally injured when a rock brow fell from the rib. The rock brow measured approximately 81" long by 9 � to 25" wide and from 7 to 15" thick. The victim was operating a continuous mining machine, via remote control, at the face of the # 5 entry. When the shuttle car operator returned from the section dumping point, he found the victim under the rock. There was no eye witness to the accident.

Diagram of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Persons conducting preshift and onshift examinations should report and or correct all observed hazards.
  • No person should travel or work under unsupported brows.
  • Adequate warning devices should be positioned to alert persons of unsupported roof.
  • All approved plans and safety precautions should be followed 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 15th fatal accident reported for the coal mining industry in calendar year 2001. As of this date in 2000, there were twenty-two fatalities reported in this industry. This is the 1st fatal accident, classified as fall of rib, reported in the coal mining industry in 2001. At this time in 2000, there was one fatal accidents, classified as fall of rib, 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