Purpose. Evaluate the stability of lateral rocks in the coal massif containing the workings, with introduce count the deformation characteristics of security structures. Methods. To achieve this goal, laboratory studies of the deformation characteristics of security structures located between the simulated roof and the sole of the coal seam, which were subjected to uniaxial compression. Results. It is proved that the deformation characteristics of protective structures affect the stability of lateral rocks in the coal massif containing the workings. The nature of the deformation of security structures under the action of external forces is determined by their rigidity. All other things being equal, when the roof and sole rocks have a constant bending stiffness, their stability depends on the rigidity of the supporting structures and the direction of the load applied in the tangential (wooden cogs, rolling cogs) or radial (riser bushes) direction. For the simulated security structures with an increase in the compressive load, a simultaneous linear increase in their stiffness and deformation modulus is recorded. Moreover, for wooden pillars, when the load is applied across the fibers, the clamped struts of wooden structures are compacted, as a result of which the convergence of the lateral rocks is limited. There is no such pattern for rigid structures in the form of bushes made of wooden risers. After the loss of stability of the protective structure, the modulus of deformation decreases, which is accompanied by an increase in the convergence of the side rocks to the complete destruction of the structure. It is recommended to abandon the rigid and at the same time fragile protective structures designed to support the side rocks. Scientific novelty. The stability of the roof in the carbonaceous massif containing the workings is estimated by the maximum relative deformation of the supporting structures as a result of uniaxial compression using a coefficient characterizing the ratio of the rigidity of the working protective structure and bending stiffness of the side rocks. Practical significance. To ensure the stability of the side rocks in the coal massif and the operational condition of the workings adjacent to the clearing face at the extraction site of the coal mine, it is necessary to focus on the use of flexible structures.