Summary: A worker injured his arm while taking evasive action to avoid being struck by falling strata.
The worker was installing bolts between the roof supports when the piece of stone fell (approximately 2.9 x 0.8 x 0.6 metres) from the face. The stone did not strike the worker.
Recommendations to industry: Where unsupported strata exists during longwall face bolt-up there are many operational controls that can be implemented to reduce exposure to operators. These include:
The worker was installing bolts between the roof supports when the piece of stone fell (approximately 2.9 x 0.8 x 0.6 metres) from the face. The stone did not strike the worker.
Recommendations to industry: Where unsupported strata exists during longwall face bolt-up there are many operational controls that can be implemented to reduce exposure to operators. These include:
- leaving a bench to improve face stability
- pillar design and roadway rib support to improve tailgate face stability
- installation of temporary roof support
- changes to cutting horizon
- use of rapid face bolters to give operators additional protection
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