Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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COAL MINE FATALITY - On July 25, 2008, a 44 year old roof bolter operator with 20 years mining experience was fatally injured while marking the location for roof bolts to be installed. Apparently the victim was between the drill station and the installed automated temporary roof support (ATRS) when a large piece of roof rock 55" long X 50"wide ranging from 4" to 6" thick fell. The rock knocked him into the roof bolting machine causing fatal injuries.
Best Practices
- When possible, stay under the roof bolter canopy when working in the area between the ATRS and the last row of permanent roof support.
- Incorporate proper use of roof bolter canopy extensions if provided.
- Examine the roof, face and ribs, including sound and vibrations tests, during pre-shift examinations, immediately before any work is started, and periodically as conditions warrant.
- Scale any loose or hazardous roof material using proper equipment and work from a safe location.
Additional Information
This is the 18th fatality reported during calendar year 2008 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2007, there were nine fatalities reported in coal mining. This is the fourth fatality classified as Fall of Roof in 2008. There were two fatalities in this category at this time in 2007.