Current technology and safety practices generally provide today\u27s underground coal miner with a safe workplace in an unpredictable environment. However, incidents still occur and until the number of incidents resulting in injury or loss of life reaches zero, there will always be room for improving methods and technology used by the modern coal miner. This study analyzes underground coal mine incidents caused by roof falls. Information provided by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was analyzed for trends in factors that contribute to roof fall fatalities in underground coal mines. Identification of major contributing factors will allow for a focused approach to selecting new technology and practices as interventions to keep the underground coal mining workplace free of injury
