MINE FATALITY – On May 19, 2026, an assistant shift foreman died after a large section of rib fell and struck him. Two contractors were also injured in the accident.
Photo: MSHA
Best Practices
- Conduct thorough pre-shift and on-shift examinations of the roof, face, and ribs and conduct examinations thereafter as conditions warrant.
- Train miners to recognize roof and rib hazards and to stop work in the area until hazards are corrected.
- Adequately support loose roof and rib material and scale loose material from a safe location before working or traveling in an area.
- Use the proper tool, like a slate bar, when pulling down loose roof or ribs.
- Take additional safety precautions where mining conditions change and mining heights increase or thicker rock brows are present.
- Always set posts or other floor-to-roof support from a safe location.
- Train miners to follow the approved roof control plan.
Additional Information
This is the 11th fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.
Original article published by MSHA