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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, June 6, 2005, a 33-year old electrician with eight years of mining experience was fatally injured when he was struck by a roof fall that was 8 feet long, 4.5 feet wide, and 4 to 19 inches thick. The victim was located in a crosscut approximately 12 feet inby the last row of permanent roof support when the accident occurred. The continuous mining machine had just completed the left pass of a 20-foot cut, broke through the intersection, and was backing out when the roof fell on the victim and the machine.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene


BEST PRACTICES
  • Always stand or work under supported roof, and do not travel inby the last row of permanent roof supports.
  • Monitor the work cycle routinely to ensure that the provisions of the approved roof control plan are understood and followed by all miners.
  • Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof, face, and ribs and ensure permanent supports are installed prior to performing work or mining through into unsupported areas.
  • Be alert for and recognize visible warning devices or physical barriers located at the end of permanent roof support.
  • Conduct a risk assessment, identify all possible hazards and ensure you are positioned in a safe area.
  • Never mine a working face into an unsupported area or intersection.
    • 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 seventh fatality reported during calendar year 2005 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2004, there were 11 fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the second fatality classified as fall of roof in 2005. There were no fatalities in this category at this time in 2004.

    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