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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, February 1, 2006, a 46-year old roof bolting machine operator was fatally injured in a fall of rib accident while installing roof bolts near the active face. The section was being developed under approximately 1000 feet of overburden and previous mining had occurred in a coal seam located approximately 65 feet above the active mine.

Photo of Accident Scene Described in Paragraph above

Best Practices
  • Examine roof and ribs frequently during work assignments.
  • Where needed, active rib supports (bolts) should be installed instead of passive roof supports (posts or jacks).
  • Ensure that roof and rib control methods are adequate for the depth of cover and for the potential effects of any mines above or below active workings.
  • Roof control plans should be frequently reviewed and revised to adjust for changing conditions.
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 18th fatality reported during calendar year 2006 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2005, there were no fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the second fatality classified as Fall of Face, Rib, Side, or Highwall in 2006.

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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