On Oct. 27, 2020, a miner (age 37 with 1 year 40 weeks experience*) was digging a hole (in an underground mine in Williamstown, PA with 8 employees*) to install a wooden post for roof control when a section of the roof fell on him.
Best Practices:
- Thoroughly examine the roof, face, and ribs where people will be working and traveling, including sound and vibration testing where applicable.
- Scale loose roof and ribs from a safe location. Prevent access to hazardous areas until appropriate corrective measures can be taken.
- Set temporary support before installing permanent support.
- Be alert for changing conditions and report abnormal roof or rib conditions to mine management and other miners.
- Know and follow the approved roof control plan and provide additional support when cracks or other abnormalities are detected. Remember, the approved roof control plan contains minimum requirements.
- Propose revisions to the roof control plan to provide measures to control roof hazards.
Additional Information:
This is the 23rd fatality reported in 2020, and the first classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.” (* Italicized details added by safeminers.com)
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).