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MSHA News Release: [12/08/2003]
Contact Name: Suzy
Bohnert
Phone Number: (202) 693-9420
MSHA Calls Attention to Winter Mining Hazards
Agency Urges Miners to Focus on Dangers During
Holiday Season
ARLINGTON, Va.—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) today called on the mining community to
be vigilant about alerting miners and mine operators of workplace hazards
attributed to colder weather and holiday distractions.
The mining community is currently involved in a nationwide campaign
“Focus on Examinations,” to focus attention on safety, particularly
conducting thorough pre-shift mine examinations to prevent coal mine ignitions
and explosions. MSHA is also alerting miners and operators in the metal and
nonmetal industries about freezing and thawing actions that could cause
hazardous conditions at their facilities.
“During the joyous holiday season, it’s easy for both miners
and mine operators to lose focus on work and possibly miss potential hazards in
the mining workplace,” said Dave D. Lauriski, assistant secretary of labor
for mine safety and health. “We want to remind everyone in the mining
industry to concentrate on their duties and avoid the kinds of hazards and
dangers that can bring unwanted tragedy.”
MSHA will be sending hazard alerts to every U.S. mine operation this
month, reminding operators of potential wintertime hazards at worksites. An
audio message from Lauriski that alerts workers to keep their focus on hazards
during the holidays will go to radio stations nationwide. During their routine
visits to mining operations, agency inspectors will remind workers about winter
weather and the hazards it can bring to the workplace.
In November 2003, MSHA coal mine inspectors conducted a second safety
sweep of the nation’s coal mines to point out potential hazards at
worksites. In August, inspectors from MSHA’s metal and nonmetal division
carried out a similar effort at quarries, gold mines, silver mines and other
mining operations nationwide.
“We want everyone in the mining industry to have a wonderful and
happy holiday season, and it will be even more enjoyable if we concentrate on
sending each and every miner home safely,” said Lauriski.
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