• Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof, face and ribs immediately before any work is started, and thereafter as conditions warrant.
• Know and follow the extended cut provisions of the approved roof control plan.
• Never travel inby the second row of permanent roof supports from an extended cut.
• Always hang reflectors or other warning devices prior to mining.
• Be alert for changing roof conditions.

	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 14^th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the coal mining industry. As of the accident date in 2003, there were 16 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 2^nd fatality classified as Fall of Roof or Back in 2004. At this time in 2003, there were no fatalities classified as Fall of Roof or Back.

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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