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Full Details

Surname
HAYSTON
Forename
John William
Day
18
Month
02
Year
1907
Age
36
Occupation
Timberman
Mine/Quarry Name
Woodhorn
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Ashington Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Woodhorn
County
Northumberland
Details of Event
Deceased was timbering removing irregular props set by the coal fillers and putting up planks at regular intervals, in advance of a coal cutter in longwall workings in the 5th South district of the Yard seam, 3 feet 8 inches thick, of No.1 Pit when a blue metal Stone, 11 feet by 4.5 feet and 11 inches thick, fell from the roof and killed him. He appears to have been knocking out a prop as his axe was in his hand when he was recovered. The stone extended from a free side at a gateway along the face close to the coal and was relieved by a breaker along the face, the free side and slips at the other sides. In falling it broke down some planks but it appeared these planks were only legged next the goaf and were not notched into the coal, deceased intending to put in props under their ends next the face after the coal cutter had passed. The coal cutter was working six yards from deceased and the noise prevented the attendant hearing the fall and may also have prevented deceased hearing any warning the stone may have given. The face had been examined by the deputy about two hours before the accident, when it appeared safe. There was a pout for drawing timber at the flat 100 yards away but deceased did not use it, The Local Inspectors reported, ‘We are in the opinion that his death was accidental, but we recommend a better system of timbering in the coal filling face.’ The manager arranged that the planks be put in advance of the coal cutter should be notched into the face and the coal cutter should carry a pout.