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MSHA's Safety Targets Program
Roof and Rib Falls (Coal)
From January 2000 through the end of 2008, there were 57 fatal coal roof and rib accidents. MSHA believes that all of these types of accidents can be reduced, if not eliminated when miners follow the guidelines outlined in this "Roof / Rib Falls Safety Target Package". This information and materials are being supplied to increase hazard awareness and improve miners' ability to assess risks related to roof and ribs.

The contents of the package include information and materials addressing the safety hazards associated with roof and rib falls. MSHA is issuing this package for operators to share with all miners working on, or near roof and ribs because:
  • Many new miners have been hired in recent years.
  • Many experienced miners were working in other job classifications at other mining operations where roof and rib conditions may have been less severe or different than the conditions they are currently working in.
  • All miners should periodically be reminded to the inherent hazards of roof and rib falls.
Please read this information, learn about accidents involving roof bolters and about measures you can take to prevent yourself from being involved in a similar accident. The life you save may be your own.

Please share this information with your co-workers and discuss it at safety meetings. If you have questions or need additional copies of this information, please contact Michael Getto by phone
at 304 547 2303 or by email at getto.michael@dol.gov.



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