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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, April 10, 2002, a 33 year old continuous mining machine operator, with approximately 9 years mining experience, was fatally injured in a roof fall accident. A rock measuring 4 to 16 inches thick, 100 inches long, and 65 inches wide fell from the mine roof pinning the miner operator against the shuttle car tire. The rock fell at the mouth of the No. 4 right crosscut, from an area inby the last row of bolts, and cantilevered into the bolted area where the miner operator was standing.

Drawing of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Miners must know and follow the approved roof control plan
  • Reflectors should be used to warn persons of hazardous areas
  • All miners should receive hazard recognition and safe work practice training
    • 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 2002, in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were 5 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the fourth fatal accident classified as a roof fall accident in the coal mining industry in 2002. At this time in 2001, there were 2 fatal accidents classified as roof fall accidents 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