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Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Accident Info-Gram
MAY 2002
Roof Fall Traps Two Miners
A non-fatal roof fall occurred on May 24, 2002, at an underground
mine in District 8. Measuring approximately 65' long, 19' wide,
and 6.5' high, the fall completely covered a Joy continuous miner
and a Joy shuttle car. The roof fall trapped the miner operator
and shuttle-car operator for approximately fifty minutes. After
establishing communications with the trapped miners, the section
crew began rescue operations. The crew set timbers on top of the
roof fall. This provided support during recovery operations.
Subsequently, the crew extricated the two-trapped miners through
an opening, approximately 18 inches wide, in the roof fall. They
were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released.
BEST PRACTICES
- Examine the roof frequently and thoroughly.
- Watch for changing roof conditions and communicate these
conditions to others.
- Drill test holes at least one foot longer than primary
support to help identify problems in roof strata.
- Notify your foreman, danger out the area, and correct
conditions immediately when adverse roof conditions are
detected.
- Install additional support, shorten cut depth, and narrow
entry width where slips, cracks, or other adverse roof or rib
conditions exist.
This information was provided by concerned
miners in an effort to eliminate accidents. Accident or "close
call" information within District 8 may be shared by contacting
the MSHA office at (812) 882-7617.
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