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Fatality Alert - Fatality #12 - June 3, 2008

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab08c12.pdf (98.44 KB)

COAL MINE FATALITY - On Tuesday June 3, 2008, a 25 - year old roof bolting machine operator with 2 years of mining experience was fatally injured by a fall of roof. A rock measuring approximately 5' in length x 11' in width and 0" to 10" in thickness fell from beyond permanent support and cantilevered outby striking the bolter operator and pinning him between the foot cylinder of the pressurized ATRS.

Photo of Accident Scene Described in the Paragraph Above

Best Practices

  • Never travel inby supported areas.
  • Always conduct a through visual examination of the roof, face and ribs immediately before work is performed and thereafter as conditions dictate.
  • Always stay alert for changing conditions in your work area.
  • Scale any loose or hazardous roof material using proper equipment and scale from a safe location.
  • Know and follow the approved roof control plan.

Additional Information

This is the twelfth fatality reported in calendar year 2008 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2007, there were six fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the second roof fall fatality in 2008. At this time in 2007, there were two fatalities in this classification.