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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, June 17, 2004, a 26-year-old utility man with two years mining experience was fatally injured when he was struck by a section of roof measuring approximately 38 feet by 12 to 14 feet by 27 inches. The crosscut between the No. 6 and No. 7 headings had been completed and the victim was apparently preparing to help move the continuous mining machine cable.

Diagram of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof, face and ribs immediately before any work is started, and thereafter as conditions warrant.
  • Know and follow the extended cut provisions of the approved roof control plan.
  • Never travel inby the second row of permanent roof supports from an extended cut.
  • Always hang reflectors or other warning devices prior to mining.
  • Be alert for changing roof conditions.
    • 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 14th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the coal mining industry. As of the accident date in 2003, there were 16 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 2nd fatality classified as Fall of Roof or Back in 2004. At this time in 2003, there were no fatalities classified as Fall of Roof or Back.

    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