MSHA data reports that falls from roofs and ribs remain a leading cause of injuries in underground coal mines, despite improvements in roof control technology. Data shows that during 2013, 265 miners were injured in roof and rib falls, which is down from the 377 injuries in 2012. MSHA reports that even though this is a reduction, "too many coal miners are still being hurt on the job in these kinds of accidents."
To help combat these injuries, the agency implemented its
Preventive Roof/Rib Outreach Program to increase awareness. The 2014 program runs through September and focuses on conditions specific to the summer months, which includes moisture-sensitive materials in rock formations in a mine roof that require additional control measures.
