MSHA: 2018 mining fatalities near record low
The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) reports that 27 mining fatalities occurred in 2018, the second-lowest number ever recorded.
Eighteen fatalities occurred at surface operations while nine occurred in underground mines.
About 250,000 miners work across 12,000 metal/nonmetal mines, and 83,000 miners work in the nation’s 1,200 coal mines.
According to MSHA, the leading cause of fatalities was powered haulage, accounting for 13 fatalities, or 48 percent, of the annual total. MSHA took action in 2018 to counter powered haulage fatalities, publishing a request for information seeking stakeholder input on technologies and practices that can improve safety conditions related to mobile equipment and belt conveyors. MSHA also launched a campaign to educate miners and mine operators on the hazards associated with such equipment.
About the Author: Kevin Yanik
Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.Subscribe to Pit & Quarry
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to Pit & Quarry to receive more articles just like it.
