The first incident, on October 6, 2006, involved a 56-year-old roof bolter with 27 years of mining experience being fatally injured by a roof fall at D&R Coal Company’s No. 2 mine in Kentucky.

The victim apparently travelled into an unsupported area to mark the roof with chalk at locations where he intended to install roof bolts.

MSHA said operators should adhere to the following best practices to avoid future similar accidents:

Never work or travel under unsupported roof;

Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof, face and ribs immediately before any work or travel is started in an area and thereafter as conditions warrant;

Know and follow the approved roof control plan;

Be alert to changing roof conditions; and

Mark unsupported areas, on all accessible sides, with highly visible markers.

The second incident, on October 11, 2006, occurred when a mine supervisor with 23 years of mining experience was fatally injured by a roof fall at Jim Walter Resources’ No. 7 mine in Alabama.

The victim was checking ventilation controls in an area mined in 1984 prior to a planned increase in fan pressure.

When he had not reported out of the mine after several hours, a search was conducted and he was found in his reported travel area, under a piece of roof rock.

MSHA said operators should adhere to the following best practices to avoid future similar accidents:

Take extra precautions when travelling in older mine areas, paying particular attention to deteriorating roof conditions;

Thoroughly examine the roof, face and ribs immediately before starting any work, including travelling and routine observations; and

Remain alert for changing roof conditions.

The latest incidents at US coal mines, at R & D Coal Company in Pennsylvania and Kingwood Mining Company in West Virginia, have brought the country’s coal mine death toll to 42 this year.

Best practices for the incidents are yet to be released.