The U.S. Health and Safety Administration has issued an equipment safety alert just weeks after a miner died following a strike to the face.
On April 2, a shuttlecar operator died after being hit by falling rock from the mine roof while setting timber posts during retreat mining at Alpha Metallurgical Resources’ Panther Eagle operating in West Virginia.
It was the seventh fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as Fall of Roof or Back.
MSH has recommended the following best practices to avoid future similar events at other mines:
- Know and follow all provisions in the approved roof control plan.
- The use of Mobile Roof Supports provides greater support and eliminates the need for miners to install posts.
- Never go under unsupported roof. Consider a roof with damaged or incomplete support as unsupported.
- Don’t travel inby posts installed during retreat mining.
- Danger-off hazardous areas until appropriate corrective measures are taken.
- Conduct thorough examinations of the roof, face, and ribs where miners will be working or traveling.
Source: msha.gov