Arlington, VA — Nearly 1 out of 5 violations assessed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration over a recent six-month period were reasonably likely to result in a serious injury or illness, the agency says in a new Informational Alert.
The alert details the evaluation of nearly 44,000 violations from Oct. 1 to April 1 to determine standing as significant and substantial. The agency reports that more than 8,200 (18.8%) of the violations earned the designation.
In addition, the industry experienced more than 2,200 injuries over that time frame, including 14 deaths.
“In reviewing recent trends in violations and accidents, MSHA identified fall protection, powered haulage, machinery, and roof and rib control as areas where the mining industry should increase its focus on safe and healthful work practices,” the agency says. “MSHA urges the mining community to focus on identifying and eliminating all safety and health hazards.”
