From the Assistant Secretary's Desk — Mid-year 2014 Fatality Analysis
During the first half of 2014, 22 miners were killed in accidents in the mining industry. Fourteen died in metal and nonmetal mining accidents and eight died in coal mining accidents. The toll represents an increase in the mid-year fatality count and reverses a decline in fatal accidents seen in recent years as MSHA and the mining industry worked together to improve mine safety. In May, MSHA launched a number of efforts, including outreach with stakeholders and trainers and utilizing the agency's training and enforcement tools to counteract the spike in mining deaths, particularly in the metal and nonmetal sector. In the second quarter of the year alone, 14 miners died – 5 in coal and 9 in metal/nonmetal.
Mining deaths are preventable, and these deaths are a reminder that much more needs to be done to protect the nation's miners. These deaths should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to keep safety at the forefront at all times.
In both types of mining, we continued to see a high number of preventable deaths due to Machinery accidents (7) and Powered Haulage accidents (5) during the first half of the year. Four of those killed were contractors; five were supervisors.
The following provides more details on the mining deaths that occurred between January 1 and June 30, 2014. For best practices that could have prevented these deaths, please see the links at the bottom of this page:
Fourteen deaths in metal and nonmetal mining
Three miners were killed in Powered Haulage accidents: a 56-year old contract belt operator at an iron ore mine; a 57-year-old co-owner of a gypsum mine; and a 20-year-old groundman at a sand and gravel mill.
Three miners were killed in Machinery accidents: a 58-year-old truck driver at a sand and gravel mine; a 50-year-old contract bulldozer operator at a fire clay mine; and a 53-year-old miner at an underground gold mine.
Two miners were killed in Falling/Sliding Material accidents: a 50-year old supervisor at a sand and gravel mine; and a 64-year-old mining foreman. Two miners were killed in Fall of Person accidents: A 34-year old contract laborer at a cement operation; and a 27-year-old contract mechanic at an underground limestone mine. Two miners were killed in a single Fall of Rib accident: A 53-year-old scaler and a 29-year old scaler at an underground limestone mine.
In addition, a 36-year-old shaft repairman was killed in a Hoisting accident at an underground silver mine, and a 41-year-old production supervisor was killed in an Explosion of Gas accident at a sand and gravel mine.
Eight deaths in coal mining
Four miners were killed in Machinery accidents: A 24-year-old continuous mining machine operator, a 41-year-old mechanic trainee, a 25-year-old roof bolter operator, and a 25-year-old contract equipment operator.
Two miners were killed in Powered Haulage accidents: A 20-year-old general inside laborer and 58–year-old truck driver.
Two miners were killed in a Fall of Rib (coal outburst) accident: A 48-year-old continuous mining machine operator, and a 46-year-old mobile roof support operator/roof bolter.
These deaths are a reminder that much more needs to be done to protect the nation's miners. MSHA is providing information and the best practices to prevent them to the mining industry. The links below provide a more in-depth analysis of the mining fatalities during the first half of 2014, along with best practices to help mining operations avoid fatalities like them, and for trainers to include in miner training.
Conducting workplace examinations both prior to and during a shift - every shift - can prevent deaths by finding and fixing safety and health hazards. Workplace examinations must be performed and the problems identified resolved to protect workers. Effective and appropriate training will ensure that miners recognize and understand hazards and how to control or eliminate them. Mines need to have effective safety and health management programs in place that are constantly evaluated and implemented.
MSHA has undertaken a number of measures to prevent mining deaths, injuries and illnesses: increased surveillance and strategic enforcement through impact inspections at mines with troubling compliance histories; enhanced pattern of violations actions; special initiatives such as "Rules to Live By," which focuses attention on the most common causes of mining deaths; and outreach efforts. We know it takes the efforts of all of us in MSHA and the mining industry to improve mine safety and health.
Miners deserve a safe and healthful workplace, and at MSHA, we are committed to doing everything we can to make that happen.
Additional information
· Summary of 2014 Mid-Year Fatal Accidents at Metal/Nonmetal Mines and Preventative Recommendations
· Summary of 2014 Mid-Year Fatal Accidents at Coal Mines and Preventative Recommendations