District 5 - Coal Mine Safety and Health
A Near Miss
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A section foreman was concerned about a weak splice in the lo-lo belt he was examining. The belt was approximately 5 feet from the rib. While he was standing beside the belt, a section of the rib, approximately 14 feet long, 3 feet high, and 2 feet thick, rolled off. The falling rib struck his self rescuer. Force from the impact ripped his mining belt off and knocked him to the mine floor. He was transported to the hospital for x-rays and was treated for a contusion on his right hip.
BEST PRACTICES
- Thoroughly examine roof/rib conditions wherever you work or travel, especially in areas that tend to become unstable.
- Thoroughly examine roof/rib conditions wherever you work or travel, especially in areas that tend to become unstable.
- Know and follow your approved roof/rib control plan.
- Place yourself in a safe position when located near belts/equipment.
- Report unusual or unsafe conditions to other miners and mine management.
- Unstable coal ribs should be taken down or supported.
- Use proper equipment when correcting adverse roof and rib conditions.
