COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, December 12, 2005, a 29-year old continuous-mining machine operator with 11 years mining experience was fatally injured when he was struck by a roof fall while operating the continuous mining machine by remote control in the last open crosscut intersection outby the face. The fallen roof material, which had been permanently supported, was a horseback (drag fold) approximately 25 feet by 16 feet at its base and ranging from 0 to 4 feet thick.
Make frequent roof examinations and be alert to changing roof conditions at all times. Slickensided shale may indicate the presence of roof hazards, such as horsebacks or kettle bottoms. Know and follow the approved roof control plan. Install and examine test holes frequently to detect changes in roof strata. Install adequate, additional roof support when adverse conditions are encountered or anticipated. Train all miners on the importance of roof examinations.
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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. |
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This is the 19th fatality reported during calendar year 2005 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2004, there were 26 fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the eighth fatality classified as Fall of Roof or Back in 2005. There were three 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:
MSHA's Fatal Accident
Investigation Report