MSHA releases third quarter fatality report

By |  October 29, 2014

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that in the third quarter of 2014, eight miners were killed in accidents at work, marking a total of 30 deaths in the first three quarters of 2014.

Of the eight miners killed in the third quarter, five of the miners died in nonmetal and metal accidents while three died in coal mining accidents. According to MSHA, the fatalities could have been prevented by following best practices for blocking against hazardous motion, using personal protection equipment and following lock-out tag-out procedures.

“These deaths are a harsh reminder of why mines must be vigilant in ensuring effective safety programs and fostering a culture of safety first,” says Joseph Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. “Our hearts go out to the families of these miners.”

In recent years, MSHA has launched a number of initiatives to help prevent unwarranted injuries and fatalities like these.

“We believe those efforts, along with initiatives by the mining industry, are making a difference, but clearly more needs to be done,” says Main.

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