MSHA Details Rib Fall That Killed Assistant Shift Foreman
The May 19 accident also injured two contractors and prompted the agency to issue roof and rib safety recommendations.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Sep 04, 2026
An assistant shift foreman died May 19 after a large section of rib fell and struck him at a mine, according to MSHA. Two contractors were also injured in the accident.
MSHA recommended mine operators conduct thorough pre-shift and on-shift examinations of the roof, face and ribs, with additional examinations as conditions warrant. Miners should be trained to recognize roof and rib hazards and stop work in affected areas until hazards are corrected.
The agency also recommended supporting loose roof and rib material and scaling loose material from a safe location before working or traveling in the area. Proper tools, such as a slate bar, should be used when pulling down loose roof or rib material.
MSHA advised taking additional precautions where mining conditions change, mining heights increase or thicker rock brows are present. Posts or other floor-to-roof supports should also be set from a safe location, and miners should be trained to follow the approved roof control plan.
More safety and health information is available at MSHA.gov.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.