Mine Safety & Health Administration
MSHA releases December impact inspection results
MSHA says it issued 135 citations, 24 orders and one safeguard during special impact inspections conducted at 11 coal mines and two metal and nonmetal mines in December. The monthly inspections, which began in force in April 2010, involve mines… Keep Reading
Surge in fourth-quarter accidents increases mining fatality rate
Forty-two miners died in work-related accidents at U.S. mines in 2013, according to preliminary data from MSHA. The 42 represent an increase of six compared with the 36 miners who died in 2012. Twenty-two of the 42 fatalities were in… Keep Reading
Violent complainant
An employee complained about a defective seat in his haul truck. His supervisor told him his complaint was “petty.” The employee threw a pen at the supervisor and was immediately discharged. The employee filed a wrongful discharge case with the… Keep Reading
Three metal/nonmetal mines involved in impact inspections
MSHA conducted impact inspections at three metal/nonmetal mines and six coal mines in October, issuing 120 citations and 10 orders, according to a press release. Impact inspections were curtailed during part of October due to the government shutdown. In addition,… Keep Reading
Former employee wins retaliation case against Maine producer
Portable Pioneer Plant, a stone-crushing operation in Thomaston, Maine, will provide compensation to a former employee and take other corrective action to resolve a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review… Keep Reading
National Miner’s Day: MSHA notes health, safety progress
Although the worst mining accident in American history occurred more than a century ago, the tragedy left its mark as Dec. 6 is now known as National Miner’s Day. A Congressional proclamation enacted in 2009 ensures the 362 miners who… Keep Reading
MSHA investigation focus
MSHA conducts three major types of investigations: accident investigations, special investigations and discrimination investigations. Trends are changing, and MSHA is shifting its emphasis to certain areas over others. Regular inspectors who are assigned to investigate the specific incident conduct these… Keep Reading
MSHA issues third-quarter fatality data
Four miners died in metal/nonmetal mining accidents in the third quarter this year, according to an MSHA report. Five coal miners also died in the third quarter. Two of the four metal/nonmetal miners died in powered haulage accidents. One died… Keep Reading
MSHA designates Oct. 30 as Mine Rescue Day
MSHA is recognizing Oct. 30 as Mine Rescue Day. The date was selected because of its historical significance, as the first national mine rescue demonstration was held in the United States on Oct. 30, 1911. "I urge the mining community… Keep Reading
