On September 25, 2024, a continuous mining machine operator died after being struck by a rock from a roof fall, while traveling under unsupported roof to extend a ventilation tube.
Best Practices
- Miners should never go under unsupported roof.
- Identify and correct unsafe work practices if miners attempt to travel under unsupported roof.
- Train miners and supervisors on the hazards of working and traveling into areas of unsupported roof.
- Roof Control Plans should require mine operators to:
- 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.
- Ensure that miners position themselves safely under supported roof during the mining cycle and while performing maintenance on equipment.
Additional Information
This is the 23rd fatality reported in 2024, and the third classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)