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Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Accident Info-Gram
February 2005
Roof Falls at Rib and Strikes Employee
On March 15, 2005 at approximately 1:45 a.m., a fall-of-roof injury occurred at an underground coal mine in District 8. After the completion of the cut into the right crosscut, the right-side operator of the double boom roof bolter set the ATRS and started installing the first bolt in the cut. This bolt was located about 35-inches from the right coal rib. While the operator was inserting the resin cartridge into the bolt hole, a slab of rock fell striking him on the shoulder and back and pinned him against the controls of the roof bolting machine. The operator received three cracked ribs and a dislocated shoulder. The rock measured 1 ½ to 15-inches thick, 12 to 48-inches wide, and approximately 9-feet long and broke into three major sections after striking the ATRS pad, boom, and canopy.
BEST PRACTICES
- Examine the working place before beginning bolting operations
- Use the sound and vibration test method to evaluate roof
- Scale down loose roof
- Be aware of surroundings and of changing conditions
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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