On Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at approximately 11:15 a.m., a 49 year old continuous haulage cable attendant was killed when he was struck by a section of rib. The rock was approximately 82 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 11 inches thick. The mining height at the accident site was just over seven feet, and the depth of cover was 700 feet.
Best Practices
- Conduct thorough pre-shift and on-shift examinations of the roof, face, and ribs immediately before working or traveling in an area, and thereafter as conditions warrant.
- Know and follow the Approved Roof Control Plan. Take additional measures to protect persons when hazards are encountered.
- Assure the Approved Roof Control Plan is suitable for prevailing geological conditions. Revise the plan if conditions change and the support system is not adequate to control the roof, face, and ribs.
- Rib bolts provide the best protection against rib falls and are most effective when installed on cycle and in a consistent pattern.
- Be alert to changing geological conditions which may affect roof, rib, and face conditions.
- Support loose ribs or roof adequately or scale down loose material before beginning work.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf).