As a result of its second 2023 pattern of violations (POV) screening, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has identified Mine No. 39 in McDowell County, W.Va., as a chronic violator. The underground mine is operated by Twin State Mining. MSHA said that the mine met the initial POV criteria for the existence of a pattern of violations under section…
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MSHA alert: truck dumping safety
MSHA reported that on January 2, the driver of an over the road tractor-trailer haul truck died when the trailer tipped over onto the cab of the tractor. The driver was dumping part of the load of gravel from the trailer. Between 2018 and 2024, mine operators reported 14 injury accidents where over the road trucks tipped or rolled over…
Read MoreMSHA Reports Final Fatality of 2023
MSHA reported that on Dec. 14, 2023, a contractor at Beck Street, Salt Lake, Utah, died while delivering parts to the mine when an all-terrain telehandler pulling cable tipped over, striking him. This is the 40th and final fatality reported in 2023, and the 16th classified as “Machinery.” MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
Read MoreMSHA’s November impact inspections: 184 violations at 14 mines
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration completed impact inspections at 14 mines in 10 states in November 2023, issuing 184 violations and one safeguard. The agency began impact inspections after an April 2010 explosion in West Virginia at the Upper Big Branch Mine killed 29 miners. To date, MSHA’s impact inspections in 2023 have identified 2,491…
Read MoreMSHA reports 37th fatality of 2023
MSHA reported that on Nov.13, a pit wall at Wrens Plant, Jefferson, Ga., collapsed engulfing an excavator operator while he was outside of the excavator. This is the 37th fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.” MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
Read MoreMSHA announces mobile equipment rule
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule from its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to help protect miners from accidents, injuries and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment. The rule requires mine operators to have written safety programs for surface mobile equipment – excluding belt conveyors – at surface mines and underground mines’ surface areas. The programs…
Read MoreWhen life hands you an imminent danger order, pay attention
By Willa B. Perlmutter One of my very favorite clients recently sustained a self-inflicted and completely avoidable (and expensive) wound. Since I can’t go back and prevent it from happening, I hope that maybe I can keep the rest of you from falling into the same trap. Let’s talk about what happened. One morning, I received an email from my…
Read MoreMSHA details October 2023 impact inspections
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 13 mines in 10 states in October 2023, issuing 215 violations. MSHA began impact inspections after an April 2010 explosion in West Virginia at the Upper Big Branch Mine killed 29 miners. Inspections took place at Carmeuse, Arcoa, Eagle Materials and Clyde…
Read MoreCREATING AN EFFECTIVE DUST MANAGEMENT PLAN
When it comes to DMPs, what works for one mine or quarry might not apply to another – but there are ways for any operation to ensure success. By Michael Kelley, president, BossTek A dust management plan (DMP) is very specific to the industry and application. For example, one site’s needs may look vastly different from that of a port.…
Read MoreMSHA Issues Cold Weather Health & Safety Alerts
MSHA is advising that cold weather can cause cold stress, which can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and other severe injuries, and illnesses. The agency recommends the following best practices: In addition, some portable heaters can emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO). CO is odorless and colorless and can accumulate in confined spaces and enclosed areas such as the cabs of vehicles,…
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