The purpose of the research is to determine on the optical models that simulate a coal-bearing massif with workings, the patterns of stress distribution in the side rocks while guarding the return drifts by the filling array. A complex method is used in the work, including analysis and generalization of the conditions for the protection and maintenance of local preparatory workings in the development of steeply inclined and steep coal seams, physical modeling with optical materials and processing of experimental data. As a result of the studies of the stability of local preparatory workings, when they are protected by compliant structures, the influence of the filling mass on the stress state of the lateral rocks is established. It has been recorded that with increasing rigidity of the over-track guard strip of crushed rock of limited size, the greatest tangential stresses are concentrated in the area of the output contour and at the upper boundary of the rubble strip. Placing a filling mass in the worked-out part of the lava, to the height of the floor, provides a smooth deflection of the lateral rocks over the entire area of the worked out space and a uniform distribution of stresses in the lateral rocks. The stress-strain state of the side rocks in the coal-bearing massif containing the mine depends on the rigidity of the security structures, the physical and mechanical properties of the side rocks and the length of the section in the roof rocks, which is supported by the security structure. The influence of the stowage massif on the stress state of the side rocks is estimated using a coefficient that takes into account the level of stress concentration in the rocks of the roof and soil of the developed formation, the value of which depends on the rigidity of the security structures located above the drift, the bending stiffness of the side rocks and the length of the section in the roof rocks, which supported by a security structure. In deep mines, in the development of steeply inclined and steep coal seams, the operational condition of local preparatory workings, when over-run rubble strips are used for their protection or the laying of the mined-out space during the treatment works, is provided taking into account the optimal particle size distribution of crushed rock, which affects the amount of hardness of the guard facilities.