Nineteen mining deaths second fewest ever at midyear

By |  July 20, 2012

MSHA reports 19 miners died in work-related accidents at mines across the United States in its 2012 midyear summary of mining deaths.

Ten of the 19 deaths were coal mining related, while nine were metal and nonmetal mining deaths. Four of the nine metal/nonmetal deaths were attributed to powered-haulage incidents, and two were the result of a falling face, rib or highwall. Three others were linked to accidents involving machinery, falling material and a person falling.

“While 19 is the second-lowest number of mining deaths recorded in mining midyear, we know that these deaths are preventable,” says Joe Main, MSHA’s assistant secretary of labor. “Many mines operate every shift of every day, year in and year out, without a fatality or a lost-time injury. Mining workplaces can and must be made safe for all miners.”

Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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