The study noted 40 work-related deaths in all U.S. mines in 2014, two below 2013; last year’s deaths, officials noted, are 50% what the sector saw in the early 2000s. The 24 deaths in metal and nonmetal mines in 2014, MSHA added, increased from 22 in 2013; fatal injuries mostly involved motion or part failure of haulage and machinery transporting people, materials and supplies.
The MSHA stressed enhanced training and prevention. “Miners deserve reassurance they will return home safe after every shift,” said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health.
Regulators will up surveillance and enforcement by inspections targeting troubled projects, MSHA said. Further diligence includes initiatives like “Rules to Live By,” focusing on common causes of deaths, while engaging in outreach efforts with the mining community.
During Q4 2014, nine mining deaths occurred in all, down from 15 during the same period year-on-year. Four deaths occurred in coal mines, five in metal and nonmetal mines, down from six and nine in Q4 2013, respectively. Ten coal mining deaths occurred underground with six at surface operations; in metal and nonmetal mining, six deaths occurred in deep-pit operations and 18 at surface operations.
An analysis of mining fatalities, with operational best practices, is available here.
