• Examine the roof, face, and ribs immediately before working in any area. Also, examine frequently during work.



• Take down or adequately support any loose roof and ribs.



• Be aware of changing roof and rib conditions and act accordingly.



• Take extended cuts only in areas with competent roof and rib conditions. Reduce cut depths when adverse conditions are encountered.

	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 5^th fatality reported in calendar year 2003 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2002, there were four fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the first fatality classified as Roof or Rib Fall in 2003. At this time in 2002, there was one Roof or Rib Fall fatality

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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