Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, August 20, 2009, a 58 year old electrician/repairman with 33 years mining experience was fatally injured while setting timbers outby the face. He was attempting to support an overhanging brow in the belt entry at a location that had been cut out for a belt drive. A rock approximately 26 feet long by 2.5 feet wide by 5 feet high fell from the rib and struck the victim.

Best Practices
- Implement a rib control plan during the roof bolting cycle when conditions warrant.
- Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof and rib immediately before any work is performed and thereafter as conditions warrant.
- Be alert to any change in roof/rib conditions.
- Identify loose roof/rib material and remove it from a safe location.
- Use the proper tools and materials which are adequate for the job being performed.
Additional Information
This is the tenth fatality reported in calendar year 2009 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2008, there were nineteen fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the first Fall of Face, Rib, Pillar or Highwall fatality in 2009. At this time in 2008, there was one fatality in this classification.