• Evaluate each step in the work process for potential hazards before starting work.
• Train employees in established safe work procedures, then ensure that they are complied with.
• Position employees to prevent them from being exposed to hazards.
• Examine work areas during the shift for hazards that may be created as a result of the work being performed.
• Always remember: Any unconsolidated material sloped above its natural angle of repose is, by definition, UNSTABLE and potentially DANGEROUS.

	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 sixth fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2003, there were seven fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the first fatality classified as Sliding Material in 2004. There were no Sliding Material fatalities at this time in 2003.

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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