skip navigational links http://www.dol.gov www.msha.gov United States Department of Labor
A to Z Index | Find It! in DOL |            [skip navigational links]     Search MSHA's Website   Search MSHA
 
Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance |    


COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, October 26, 2001, at approximately 2:00 P.M., a 31 year old miner with 12 years mining experience was fatally injured by a roof fall. The left side roof bolt machine operator was installing bolts when for undetermined reasons he positioned himself inby the ATRS ( Automated Temporary Roof Support), under unsupported mine roof. The victim was struck by a piece of falling mine roof that measured approximately 8 feet wide by 8 feet long by 12 inches thick.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Never work or travel under unsupported roof.
    • Always know and follow the provisions of your approved roof control plan.
More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program 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.

This is the 34th fatality reported in 2001 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2000, there were 31 fatalities. This is the 8th fatality classified as a roof fall fatality in 2001.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This bulletin is part of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) program to alert the mining industry in a timely manner of a tragic loss of life in the mines. We encourage you to consider the above information as you make safety decisions for or recommendations to your company or constituency. 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:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report




Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Accessibility | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us