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Mining Publication: Current trends in Reducing Ground Fall Accidents in US Coal Mines
Keywords: Coal mining Ground control Rib falls Roof falls
Original creation date: January 2011
Authors: C Mark, DM Pappas, TM Barczak
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2011
Download PDF Document (1.75 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20040109
Min Eng 2011 Jan; 63(1):60-65
Ground falls (roof and rib) have historically been responsible for nearly 50% of all fatalities in bituminous underground coal mines. In recent years, the number of some annual ground fall fatalities has approached zero, indicating that significant progress has been made. On the other hand, the twin disasters at Crandall Canyon in 2007, in which nine miners perished in violent coal bumps, provided a stark reminder that complacency is premature. One important success has been a great reduction in the number of miners killed inby roof supports. Throughout the 1990s, these accounted for nearly half of all roof fall fatalities, but there have just been two inby incidents since 2005. Progress has also been made in pillar recovery, where there has been just one fatal incident since 2005. On the other hand, more than 300 miners continue to be injured each year by rock falling from between supports and 100 more are injured by rib falls. Together, these two categories also account for a large percentage of recent ground fall fatalities. Available technologies such as roof screen, rib bolting and inside control roof bolters could reduce injury and fatality rates if they were used more widely. Further advances in these areas will likely be the next big advance in ground control safety.
Image of publication Current trends in Reducing Ground Fall Accidents in US Coal MinesPeer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2011
Download PDF Document (1.75 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20040109
Min Eng 2011 Jan; 63(1):60-65
See Also
Comparison of Ground Conditions and Ground Control Practices in the United States and Australia
Current Trends in Reducing Ground Fall Accidents in US Coal Mines
Diagnosing and Controlling Moisture-Sensitive Roof in Coal Mines
Dynamic Failure in Deep Coal: Recent Trends and a Path Forward
Performance Characteristics for Welded Wire Screen Used for Surface Control in Underground Coal Mines
Potential of Roof Screening to Reduce Workers' Compensation Cost
Roof and Rib Fall Incident Trends: a 10-Year Profile
Roof and Rib Hazard Assessment for Underground Stone Mines
Roof Screening: Best Practices and Roof Bolting Machines
Variation of Horizontal Stresses and Strains in Mines in Bedded Deposits in the Eastern and Midwestern United States
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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