MSHA Fines Pennsylvania Operator After Fatal Accident

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) today announced a proposed fine of $150,000 against Rosebud Mining Company, operator of an Armstrong County, Pa., mine where a miner was killed in a roof-fall accident June 10, 2005.

"The safety and health of miners must be protected every day. The failure of any mine operator to provide safe working conditions carries a high risk for their miners and will not be tolerated," said David G. Dye, MSHA's acting administrator. "MSHA will assess strong penalties, as in this case, when a miner suffered fatal injuries because the operator failed to provide safe working conditions."

A roof-bolter operator at the Tracy Lynne Mine in Armstrong County was fatally injured by a roof fall that occurred while installing six-foot resin grouted roof bolts in an area previously supported with 36-inch bolts.

The fines MSHA has assessed for safety violations contributing to this accident are as follows:

failure to limit cut depths to 20 feet when adverse roof conditions were present (30 CFR 75.220(a)(1)), $50,000;
failure to initially install supplemental roof supports when adverse roof conditions are present (30 CFR 75.220(a)(1), $50,000, and
failure to conduct an adequate pre-shift examination (30 CFR 75.360), $50,000.
MSHA found that the three violations resulted from the company's high negligence.

MSHA can assess fines ranging from $60 to $60,000 per violation depending on the nature of the violation, level of negligence and several legal factors. Rosebud Mining Co. has 30 days to appeal the fines.