Laborer

Feather edge false roof fall resulting in a death

On October 27, 2020, at 12:45 p.m., Daniel F. Shoener, a 37-year-old miner with approximately seven years of mining experience, died from a roof fall. At the time of the accident, the victim was installing a wooden post for roof control. The accident occurred when the roof fell while miners were in the process of installing roof support.

1. The mine operator did not adequately support or otherwise control the mine roof.

   Corrective action: Mine management revised, and MSHA approved, changes to the Roof Control Plan. New or revised statements and provisions in the roof control plan include the following:

Read the full report (PDF)

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Timbering, Build Cribs

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

FACE

Mining method

Hand

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

CHEST (RIBS/BREAST BONE/CHEST ORGNS)

Total mining experience

7 years

Experience at this mine

2 years

Experience in this job

2 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY