MSHA releases latest mine fatality update

The Mine Safety and Health Administration reports 10 miners died in work-related accidents at U.S. mines during the first three months of 2012. Six of the deaths were coal mining related while the other four involved powered haulage, a fall from an elevated walkway and, in two separate incidents, fall of material.

“Fatalities are preventable,” says Joseph A. Main, MSHA assistant secretary of labor. “Providing effective and appropriate training will ensure that miners recognize and understand hazards and how to control or eliminate them.”

MSHA has taken actions to identify mines with health and safety problems, and it has initiated several outreach and enforcement initiatives, including “Rules to Live By.” Last month, MSHA issued an accident prevention alert to the mining industry in the wake of four consecutive weekends of mine fatalities.