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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, December 27, 2002, a 52 year old mobile bridge operator with approximately 20-years mining experience, was fatally injured when he was struck by roof material from an unintentional roof fall. The victim was working in an intersection where mobile roof supports were being moved after completion of the last lift in the right pillar block. A mobile roof support operator received serious non-fatal injuries in this accident.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Know and follow the provisions of the approved Roof Control Plan. Take additional measures to protect all persons when unusual hazards or conditions are encountered

  • Always examine the mine roof in your work area

  • Conduct proper pre-shift and on-shift examinations in all areas where persons are required to work or travel

  • Be alert for changing roof conditions

  • Never work or travel under unsupported roof
    • 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 26th fatality reported in calendar year 2002 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were 42 fatalities. This is the 5th fatality classified as Roof Fall in 2002. At this time in 2001 there were 9 fatal accidents classified as "Roof Fall" for 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