• Design mining methods and associated work practices to minimize the exposure hazard to miners working near highwalls.
• Remove loose, hazardous material located above active workings prior to any work.
• Examine highwalls and work areas thoroughly for hazardous conditions, especially after rainfall.
• Thoroughly train and supervise personnel in the required use of personal protective equipment.

	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 was the 23^rd fatal accident reported in calendar year 2002 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were 33 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This was the first fatal accident classified as a falling rock/material in 2002. At this time in 2001, there was one fatal accident classified as falling rock/material in the coal mining industry.

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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:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report