CONTENTS. Preface, by VAN. H. MANNING__ Introduction___ Falls of roof in roadways, headings, or passageways_ Page. 5 7 8 9 66 'slate " 9 10 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 15 16 16 18 3 Figures compiled by the Bureau of Mines from the reports of State mine inspectors and from other sources show that 2,656 persons were killed in connection with the mining of coal in the United States during the calendar year 1911 and 2,454 during the calendar year 1914. The principal causes of this large death roll were as follows: Causes of fatal accidents, numbers of each, and percentages of total, in coal mines in 1911 and 1914. The public hears most about the loss of life in coal-mine explosions and mine fires for the reason that in each of such disasters many lives may be lost. An examination of the records shows that by far the largest death list, including nearly one-half of all the killed, comes from falls of the roof and coal, and that next comes the death list from mine-car and mine-locomotive accidents. About these the public hears little, for the reason that the men are killed one or two or three at a time each day. It is gratifying to note that in the three years since this paper was first issued there has been a material reduction both in the number of deaths from accidents and in the fatal-accident rate per 1,000 employed in and about coal mines. Each of the causes of mine accidents is being investigated by the Bureau of Mines; and miners' circulars and other reports concerning each will be published later for free distribution. Meanwhile facts and recommendations that may throw light on the causes and prevention of mine accidents will always be welcome, whether sent to the bureau by miners, mine managers, mine inspectors, or mining engi neers. In the preparation of this circular use has been made of valuable suggestions received from State mine inspectors, as the result of an inquiry made by the bureau, and from a number of mine managers and miners in the Pittsburgh district. It is not easy to give individual credit in so brief a publication. In discussing the causes of such accidents as those from falls of roof and of coal, it must be borne in mind, as stated by the first director of the bureau, the late Dr. Joseph A. Holmes, that "Neither the mine owner nor the miner acting alone can entirely prevent such accidents. Each has his part to do; each is responsible for doing his part well. If the miners will cooperate with the mine owner and the mine owner will cooperate with the miner in an earnest effort to prevent these accidents, many lives will be saved. "Let both the miner and the mine foreman cooperate with the State mine inspectors in their efforts to safeguard life. Let'safety first' be our motto and guide in practice as well as in theory, and the mining industry in this country will become as safe as that in any other country, and there will be ample public approval and assistance in promoting both the welfare of the miner and the welfare of the industry." In the present edition of this circular some statements made in the earlier editions have been modified to make their meaning plainer, and a few additional suggestions have been incorporated by the author. VAN. H. MANNING. ACCIDENTS FROM FALLS OF ROOF AND COAL. By GEORGE S. RICE. INTRODUCTION. Great mine explosions shock the public, but falls of roof and of coal in the coal mines of this country in 1914 as in 1911 killed three times as many miners as were killed by explosions, and as many as were killed by all other accidents underground. Very few recover from the injuries they receive in an explosion; usually it is a matter of no injury or death. On the other hand, each year thousands of coal miners are caught by falls of roof and coal, and hundreds are killed or are crippled for life. The table following gives the number killed from this cause during the past eight years. Number killed in coal mines of the United States, and ratios per 1,000 employed, 1907 to 1914. It is easy to see why the public believes that explosions are the greatest danger in coal mining; large numbers of lives are snuffed out in a few moments; there are pathetic scenes; rescue parties are in danger from afterdamp or a second explosion. On the other hand, falls of roof or coal seldom kill or injure more than one or two men at a time, and such accidents, occurring at |