Mining fatalities in the United States increased significantly in 2010, following a year marked by the fewest deaths in mining history.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports that 71 miners died on the job last year compared with 34 in 2009. Of those, 23 were killed in surface mining accidents, and 48 died in underground mining accidents—29 of them in the explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in April. (WCxKit)
According to MSHA, the leading cause of coal mining deaths was ignition or explosion, followed by powered haulage and roof falls.
The leading cause of metal/nonmetal mining deaths was powered haulage, followed by falling or sliding material, and machinery.
MSHA Administrator Joseph Main reiterated that mine deaths are preventable and said mine operators must take responsibility for safety and health.
He described steps MSHA has taken including the launch of Rules to Live by, a fatality prevention program that highlights standards most frequently cited during fatal accident investigations.
Learn more at www.MSHA.gov
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
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