On October 7, 2002, a 31- year-old miner was fatally injured by the fall of a single rock/clay mass from loose unconsolidated material located above the highwall at a surface coal mine where he was working.

Rainfall during the early morning hours had been heavy for a short period just before the 6 a.m. shift started. The miner, employed as a coal scrapper, was hand-shoveling raw coal from the base of the highwall in preparation for scooping the coal with a small skid steel loader, which he operated. The miner was not wearing a hardhat, although one was available in the loader.

Keys to Accident Prevention

1. Design mining methods and associated work practices to minimize the exposure hazard to miners working near highwalls.
2. Remove loose, hazardous material located above active workings prior to any work.
3. Examine highwalls and work areas thoroughly for hazardous conditions, especially after rainfall.
4. Thoroughly train and supervise workers in the required use of personal protective equipment.

This was the 23rd fatal accident reported in 2002 in the coal mining industry, but it was the first fatal accident classified as a falling rock/material in 2002.
Nevertheless, this accident might occur in ANY type of workplace where objects could fall on unsuspecting workers.

— (Mining Safety News & EHS Reporter, Stevens Media Group, Nov. 2002)