COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, October 30, 2000, a 46-year old shuttle car operator, with 25 years mining experience, was fatally injured when struck by a piece of falling roof rock. The victim was helping load a battery charger into a scoop bucket when the accident occurred. The roof rock fell out from between installed roof bolts striking the victim. The roof rock that fell broke into two pieces. One piece measured approximately 42" x 45" x 1 3/4" thick and the other measured approximately 47" x 54" x 1/4" thick.

• A thorough examination of roof and ribs should be conducted prior to anyone entering outby areas for scheduled work. The examination should include both a visual exam of the roof and ribs and a sound and vibration test of the mine roof. All identified hazards should be reported to the supervisor.
  
  
• All persons should know and follow the requirements of the approved roof control plan at all times.

	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.