The US Mine Safety and Health Administration said that in addition to six coal mine incidents that resulted in death, an additional 415 workers were injured as a result of falling roof or rib in 2010.

The figures show a significant increase in fatalities under this classification, reversing what was a downward trend in 2008 and 2009.

In fact, there was a 100% jump in roof/rib fall fatalities last calendar year from 2009, and a 50% increase over reported numbers in 2008.

To aid operations in reducing, if not eliminating, such incidents in the future, MSHA issued a collection of best practices, including a reminder to always know and follow a mine’s approved roof control plan.

Should loose material be encountered while underground, it should be scaled down or supported, and any unusual conditions should be reported to other miners as well as management personnel.

Frequent examinations should be made of these areas, and workers should be alert to changing conditions which could have an impact on the roof or ribs. If adverse conditions are encountered or anticipated, MSHA recommends the installation of additional supports as needed.

In addition, the agency stresses immediate roof control using items such as screens, steel straps, header boards or larger roof plates.

Finally, no miner should ever travel under unsupported roof underground.

The US recorded a total of 48 coal fatalities in 2010. Three deaths have occurred in the industry so far in 2011, one of which was related to a roof/rib fall.