COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, October 6, 2006, a 56 years old roof bolter with 27 years of mining experience was fatally injured by a roof fall. The victim apparently traveled into an unsupported area to mark the roof with chalk at locations he intended to install roof bolts. The piece of draw rock that struck the victim was approximately 6 feet by 3 feet, and ranged from 6 to 8 inches in thickness.
Never work or travel under unsupported roof. Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof, face, and ribs immediately before any work or travel is started in an area and thereafter as conditions warrant. Know and follow the approved roof control plan. Be alert to changing roof conditions. Mark unsupported areas, on all accessible sides, with highly visible markers.
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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 39th fatality reported during calendar year 2006 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2005, there were 16 fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the fifth fatality classified as Fall of Roof/Back in 2006. At this time in 2005, there were seven fatalities in this classification.
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