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MSHA News Release: [11/04/2003]
Contact Name: Rodney
Brown
Phone Number: (202) 693-9425
MSHA Launches Second Sweep of U.S. Coal Mines
Agency urges constant vigilance in prevention of
fatal accidents
ARLINGTON, Va.—The Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) today launches its second nationwide
sweep of coal mining operations this year to raise awareness among coal miners
and mine operators about hazards and the entrance to the winter season.
“With colder weather and its increased hazards approaching,
everyone in the mining industry needs to focus on maintaining safe conditions
and practices,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and
Health Dave D. Lauriski. “We are using every mine visit to carry this
message to operators and miners.”
Enforcement personnel will take time during inspections at active coal
mines to tell miners, mine operators and contractors about current concerns,
potential hazards and safe work procedures. MSHA education and training
specialists as well as technical personnel also will make mine visits. They
will tailor safety information to the conditions at each site.
“While we have seen improvements over the past two years, we need
more progress,” said Lauriski. “Constant vigilance is needed
throughout the mining industry at every mine during every hour of every working
day so that every miner gets safely home.”
With regard to fatal accidents occurring this year, some of the top
concerns of MSHA officials include the following:
- Thirty-six percent of the fatalities this year have involved
maintenance and construction activities, which include cutting and
welding;
- Twenty-seven percent the fatalities in 2003 involved independent
contractors;
- Seven of the 28 fatalities this year involved transportation
equipment on the surface;
- Fifty-six percent of the victims this year had more than 10 years of
total mining experience.
MSHA annually warns the mining industry about the dangers that cold
weather presents for underground mines. In addition to the coal mine sweep,
MSHA has also placed specific safety information on its website at www.msha.gov
that provides advice and guidance for avoiding mining hazards. The number of
coal mine fatalities currently stands at 28. Coal mine deaths in 2002 totaled
27, a historic low.
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