Abstract: In order to solve the problem of rib spalling in the high caving face of soft coal seam, take the high caving face of No. 3 coal seam in Sanyuan Zhongneng Coal Industry as an example. Based on the method of rib spalling observation, laboratory test, site condition survey, PASAT high stress area detection, etc. The main geological factors and mining technical factors affecting the rib spalling were obtained. Based on the reasons of rib spalling, the risk area is divided into four categories: which are high-stress rib spalling risk area, geological structure rib spalling risk area, strong weighting rib spalling risk area, overhand mining rib spalling risk area. From the purpose of reducing the pre-disturbance and improving the self-bearing capacity of the coal wall, the technical measures for optimizing the mining parameters, improving the support conditions and optimizing the shifting mode are proposed for different risk types. The results show that after using the spalling prevention measures, the spalling area and depth were obviously reduced, and the working environment of the working face was improved. It can provide reference for the similar working conditions and surrounding mines.