Ground falls

Analysis of the accident database allows safety professionals to learn from the experience of the entire industry. The factors responsible for many ground fall injuries emerge from this analysis, and possible solutions can be identified as well. It also allows for the timely recognition of trends, both from a standpoint of identifying successful interventions as well as focusing on emerging issues. 

Roof bolts and the ATRS are the first lines of defense against roof falls in underground coal mines. When miners go under unsupported roof, they are completely unprotected. Between 1996 and 1998, approximately 25% of coal mine roof and rib fatalities occurred when miners were beyond roof supports. While there are no grounds for complacency, the recent record does represent an improvement from a decade ago, when nearly 50% of ground fall fatalities occurred beneath unsupported roof (Peters 1992). The improvement was achieved through new equipment, enforcement and a persistent educational campaign. 

Roof bolt operators are on the front line in the fight against ground falls. They are continually exposed to roof and rib hazards, and historically they have experienced more groimdfall-ielated injuries than any other occupation in mining. Although large roof and rib falls have been responsible for several fatalities, most injuries are caused by relatively small pieces of rock. 

This chapter has presented an overview of the most significant ground control hazards facing todays mineworkers. Underground miners, particularly in coal mines, are at the greatest risk from ground falls. The six highwall and slope fatalities that occurred in the first half of 1999 show that surface miners are at risk as well. 

Unfortunately, recent trends indicate that ground fall injury rates have stopped decreasing, and... 

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