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September 6, 2024 Fatality - Fatality Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 1-866-487-9243 (1 866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

MINE FATALITY – On September 6, 2024, a continuous mining machine operator died after a rock from a roof fall struck him while he was under unsupported roof.

Under unsupported roof.

Best Practices

  • Never go under unsupported roof.
  • Correct unsafe work practices if miners attempt to travel in unsupported areas. 
  • Train miners and supervisors on the hazards of working and traveling into areas of unsupported roof.
  • Roof Control Plans--Operators should:
    • Identify the next to last full row of permanent roof supports with highly visible markers at all approaches.
    • Install and maintain adequately designed roof/ground control where miners work or travel.
    • Include guidance that miners position themselves safely under supported roof during the mining cycle and while performing maintenance on equipment.

Additional Information

This is the 19th fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.”