The paper presents the results of research aimed at developing a risk assessment process

that can be used to more thoroughly characterize risks associated with continuous

miner-related fatal incidents in U.S. underground mining. The assessment is based on

historical data obtained from Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) investigation

reports, which includes 30 fatal incidents that occurred from 1995 through 2006.

The risk assessment process used in this research involves three basic steps: (i) identification

of the risks; (ii) risk analysis; and (iii) risk evaluation. The Preliminary Hazard

Assessment (PHA) method is used in identifying and quantifying risks. Risk levels are

then developed using a pre-established risk matrix that ranks them according to probability

and severity. The resulting assigned risk value can then be used to prioritize risk

control/mitigating strategies. A total of four hazards were identified. The hazard “Failure

of victim to respect equipment working area” was both the most severe and frequent

and it fell into the category of “very high” risk. Therefore, the largest portion of the

available resources should be allocated to prevent and control this hazard.