The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is holding its annual Training Resources Applied to Mining (TRAM) conference in Beaver, W.Va., from October 10-12.
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Tag: MSHA
Grants awarded to bolster mine safety
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $1 million in grants to nine organizations in seven states to support education and training initiatives that will help identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around the nation’s mines.
Read MoreMSHA reports 28th fatality of 2023
MSHA reported that on Aug. 21, a crusher lid that was being moved into place at Portable Crusher #2, Pueblo Colo., struck a miner when the rigging broke. The miner died from his injuries on Aug. 23. This is the 28th fatality reported in 2023, and the 12th classified as “Machinery.” MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this…
Read MoreMSHA reports recent fatalities
MSHA reported that on June 22, a contract bulldozer operator at Vulcan Materials’ Chula Vista, Calif., quarry died when the bulldozer he was operating backed off the edge of a highwall. The operator was clearing the bench in preparation for drilling and blasting and had removed the berms along the edge. This is the 24th fatality reported in 2023, and…
Read MoreMSHA impact inspections target 16 mines, yield 279 violations in May
MSHA completed impact inspections at 16 mines in May, issuing 279 violations and one safeguard. MSHA conducts impact inspections at mines that merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to poor compliance history; previous accidents, injuries and illnesses; and other compliance concerns. Among the violations, MSHA cited 83 significant and substantial violations. MSHA conducted inspections at mines in Colorado, Indiana,…
Read MoreMSHA reports 29th fatality of 2023
MSHA reported that on Aug. 24, a miner at MN Portable Wash 086 (A5567 Wash Plant), Mille Lacs County, Minn., died while preparing a wash plant for relocation. In the process of lowering the feed box into the travel position, the miner was pinned between the feed box and the handrail. This is the 29th fatality reported in 2023, and the 13th classified as “Machinery.” MSHA recommends the…
Read MoreIt’s here! It’s finally here! MSHA’s proposed rule on silica exposure
By Willa B. Perlmutter Here’s a fun fact. Going back as early as 1998, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has promised the mining industry it would issue a rule that addresses workplace exposures to respirable crystalline silica at mine sites around the country. (By “rule,” I really mean “regulation.” In other words, a binding requirement issued under…
Read MoreUNRAVELING SAFETY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WIRELESS MESH AND LEGACY SYSTEMS
By Chad Barnett Understanding that reliable communication and accurate tracking is vital to underground mine safety, the U.S. government mandated new, more reliable systems be implemented as part of the 2006 MINER Act. This mandate, which followed a series of mine fatalities, has made a significant impact on underground coal mining operations with improved safety and enhanced production. However, it…
Read MoreMSHA reports 27th, 28th, 29th fatalities of 2023
MSHA reported that on August 24, a miner at MN Portable Wash 086 (A5567 Wash Plant), Mille Lacs County, Minn., died while preparing a wash plant for relocation. In the process of lowering the feed box into the travel position, the miner was pinned between the feed box and the handrail. This was the 29th fatality reported this year, and…
Read MoreMSHA July impact inspections: 288 violations
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 15 mines in 12 states in July 2023, issuing 288 violations and four safeguard notices. MSHA began impact inspections after an explosion killed 29 miners at West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch Mine in 2010. So far in 2023, MSHA’s impact inspections have…
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