On Thursday, September 13, 2012, a 61-year-old general inside laborer with 38 years of mining experience was killed when he was struck by a section of mine roof. The victim was removing a roof bolt from an older area of the mine which was no longer in contact with the mine roof. A section of mine roof fell, striking the victim.
Best Practices
- Before performing work in any area of the mine, observe the roof and ribs for hazardous conditions and correct hazards immediately.
- Install additional roof supports prior to removing old supports.
- Perform sound and vibration testing before installing or removing permanent roof supports.
- Only remove roof supports under the direction of a manager or foreman.
- Use roof screen (wire mesh) to control loose roof in long-term travel roads.
- Take extra precautions when working or traveling in older areas of the mine, paying particular attention to deteriorating roof conditions.
- Make frequent roof examinations and be alert to changing roof conditions at all times. Give extra attention to the roof after activities occur that could cause roof disturbance.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf).