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COAL MINE FATALITY - On August 10, 2005, a 54-year old continuous mining machine operator, with 15 months of experience in this occupation, was injured when he was struck by a 30" x 30" x 6" piece of draw rock that fell from between the rib and roof bolts. He was operating the continuous mining machine by remote-control while standing along the right rib when the accident occurred. The mine opening was 11'-4" high at the accident site. The victim died of his injuries on November 15, 2005.

Diagram Depicting Accident Scene Diagram Depicting Accident Scene


Best Practices

  • Train all miners on the importance of continual roof, face, and rib evaluations and the need to take corrective action as necessary.
  • Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof, face, and ribs immediately before any work is started, and thereafter as conditions warrant.
  • Position yourself in a safe area.
  • Be alert to changing roof conditions at all times.
  • Scale down or support loose material.
  • Use supplemental support for immediate roof control such as screen or larger roof bolt plates.
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 17th fatality reported during calendar year 2005 in the coal mining industry. As of the accident date in 2004, there were 16 fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the seventh fatality classified as Fall of Roof in 2005. There were three fatalities in this category at this time in 2004.

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



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