MSHA says fatality, injury rates hit historic lows

By |  October 22, 2012

Mining fatality and injury rates fell to an all-time low in 2011, according to data MSHA recently released. The fatal injury rate for mining as a whole was 0.0114 per 200,000 hours worked, and the all-injury rate was 2.73 per 200,000 hours worked, down from 0.0234 and 2.81, respectively, in 2010.

In the metal and nonmetal mining sector, the fatal injury rate was 0.0084 per 200,000 hours worked, and the all-injury rate was 2.28 per 200,000 hours worked, down from 0.0129 and 2.37, respectively, in 2010.

In the coal mining sector, the fatal injury rate was 0.0156 per 200,000 hours worked, and the all-injury rate was 3.38 per 200,000 hours worked, down from 0.0384 and 3.43, respectively, in 2010.

MSHA also released a third-quarter summary of mining deaths across the country. From July through September 2012, 11 deaths occurred in work-related accidents – five in metal/nonmetal mining and six in coal mining. Of the five metal and nonmetal mining deaths, two miners died as a result of falls, one miner died in a machinery accident, one miner lost his life due to falling material and one was killed in a powered haulage accident.

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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