Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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fab11c14.pdf
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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, August 15, 2011, a 46 year old miner was killed when he was struck by a portion of the mine roof that fell from an area adjacent to a longwall shield. The accident occurred during a longwall move, while the victim was installing a wooden crib in an area where a longwall face shield had been removed previously. The victim had approximately five years experience with this activity.
Best Practices
- Assure that roof control plans are suitable to the prevailing geological conditions. If roof geology changes affect roof stability, reevaluate roof support techniques.
- Share and discuss roof control plans with the miners on a regular basis. For miner safety, assure that the roof control plan safety precautions are followed.
- Provide additional training for specialized work, such as longwall moves, emphasizing best practices for a specific task.
- Conduct examinations of roof conditions frequently to prevent exposure to poor roof conditions. Remain vigilant for changing roof conditions.
- When hazardous roof conditions are detected, danger off areas until they are made safe.
Additional Information
This is the 13th fatality reported during calendar year 2011 in the coal mining industry. This is the first fatality classified as a Fall of Roof or Back accident in 2011. Forty-two coal mine fatalities occurred in 2010 within the same period. Two Fall of Roof or Back fatalities occurred in 2010 in the same period.