• Menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
 
Ametros
Paradigm

Amaxx Workers Comp Blog

Reduce Workers Compensation Costs By 20-50%

Header Right

  • Home
    • Training Center
  • Search
    • Free Resources & Solutions
    • Subscribe to Free Newsletter
    • Create Free Training Center Account
    • Enroll in On-Demand Courses
    • Activate WC Mastery Membership
    • Request Strategic Coaching Session
    • Buy WC Guidebooks
  • Membership
    • Insider (free account)
    • WC Mastery
    • Teams & Managers Mastery
    • Training Partners
  • Products
    • On-Demand Courses
    • Specialty Courses
    • Certifications & Mastery Courses
    • Ultimate Guidebooks
    • Coaching
  • Blog
    • Video Blogs
    • COVID-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic
  • Login

Mobile Menu

  • Home
    • Training Center
  • Search
    • Free Resources & Solutions
    • Subscribe to Free Newsletter
    • Create Free Training Center Account
    • Enroll in On-Demand Courses
    • Activate WC Mastery Membership
    • Request Strategic Coaching Session
    • Buy WC Guidebooks
  • Membership
    • Insider (free account)
    • WC Mastery
    • Teams & Managers Mastery
    • Training Partners
  • Products
    • On-Demand Courses
    • Specialty Courses
    • Certifications & Mastery Courses
    • Ultimate Guidebooks
    • Coaching
  • Blog
    • Video Blogs
    • COVID-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic
  • Login
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
You are here: Home / Federal Workers Compensation / MSHA Unveils Numbers from Mine Safety Sweeps

MSHA Unveils Numbers from Mine Safety Sweeps

April 18, 2012 By //  by Robert Elliott, J.D. Leave a Comment

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently announced that federal inspectors issued 253 citations, orders and safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 12 coal mines and four metal/nonmetal mines last month. The coal mines were issued 171 citations, 15 orders and two safeguards, while the metal/nonmetal operations were issued 64 citations and one order.

 
 
These inspections, which began in force following the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine, involve mines that merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to their poor compliance history or particular compliance concerns, including high numbers of violations or closure orders; frequent hazard complaints or hotline calls; plan compliance issues; inadequate workplace examinations; a high number of accidents, injuries or illnesses; fatalities; and adverse conditions such as increased methane liberation, faulty roof conditions and inadequate ventilation. [WCx]
 
 
As an example, an impact inspection was conducted during the second shift at Perry County Coal Corp.'s E4-1 Mine in Perry County, Ky. The inspection team, which captured and monitored the phones to prevent advance notice of its arrival, issued 35 citations and three orders. The mine's last impact inspection resulted in 27 citations and one order.
 
 
 
The mine was issued unwarrantable failure orders for noncompliance with the ventilation plan by failing to maintain a sufficient air volume at the end of the wing curtain when more than 18 inches of rock is being mined. (A wing curtain is a piece of flame-resistant brattice cloth used to direct air current to temporarily ventilate faces, seals or other areas of the mine.) This violation exposed miners to the risk of silicosis, black lung, and a potential explosion.
 
 
 
The mine operator also failed to control draw rock that extended from 32 crosscuts outby to the working face (approximately 2,080 feet), which exposed miners to the risk of being struck, injured or killed by pieces of falling roof. The mine operator further failed to maintain a scoop in permissible condition so that it was not a potential ignition source for explosive gases as well as to conduct an adequate weekly examination of the same scoop.
 
 
 
Inspectors also found that the primary and secondary escape ways, along with required lifelines, were improperly maintained, which could severely hamper miners' efforts to evacuate the mine in the event of an emergency.
 
 
 
As a second example MSHA conducted an impact inspection during the second shift at K and D Mining Inc.'s Mine No. 17 in Harlan County, Ky. The inspection team, which captured and monitored the mine phones, issued 21 citations and seven orders. The last impact inspection conducted at this mine resulted in 14 citations and six orders.
 
 
 
During the most recent visit, inspectors observed eight conditions that were the result of unwarrantable failures by the mine operator. Six involved failure to maintain the conveyer belts in safe operating condition and accumulation of combustible materials along the belt lines. Two belt lines were found to have missing or stuck rollers, causing friction and creating the potential for an ignition. Accumulations of combustible material were found along three belt lines, which are required to be examined at each shift.[WCx]
 
 
 
Two 104(d) withdrawal orders were issued for the mine operator's failure to conduct an adequate exam of the section power center, which was found to be improperly maintained. Inspectors found evidence of severe arcing between receptacles on the power center, as well as on the male plugs of electrical equipment.
 
 
 
The mine operator also failed to comply with the roof control plan, according to inspectors. They observed a hill seam (rock fissure) that was tied in with several stress cracks. Inspectors also said the hill seam and stress cracks extended across the pillar line for a distance of approximately 115 feet. The mine operator had not installed additional support as required by the roof control plan.
 
 
 
"While the impact inspection program has resulted in improved compliance in mines across the country, the seriousness of the violations found at these two operations demonstrates why targeted enforcement continues to be necessary to protect the health and safety of miners," said Joseph Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. [WCx]
 
 
 
Since April 2010, MSHA has conducted 403 impact inspections, which have resulted in a total of 7,162 citations, 718 orders, and 26 safeguards.
 
 

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. He is an editor and contributor to Workers Compensation Management Program: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.

 

 


WORKERS COMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL:  www.WCManual.com

VIEW SAMPLES PAGES

MODIFIED DUTY CALCULATOR:  www.LowerWC.com/transitional-duty-cost-calculator.php

 

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.

 

©2012 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact us at: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.

rxbuywithoutprescriptiononline.org/cipro.html
yourcialisrx.com
noprescriptionrxbuyonline.com

Filed Under: Federal Workers Compensation, Risk Management, Safety and Loss Control Tagged With: Coal Mine Safety, Kentucky, Mine Safety & Hazard Control, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Mining, MSHA, Safety and Workers Comp Costs

Related Articles

OSHA 101 Primer on Occupational Safety and Health Administration for Workers Comp Professionals

OSHA 101 Primer on Occupational Safety and Health Administration for Workers Comp Professionals

Are You Prepare for Tsunami of Workplace Mental Health Challenges?

Are You Prepare for Tsunami of Workplace Mental Health Challenges?

Roles and Responsibilities of a Workers’ Comp Injury Coordinator

Roles and Responsibilities of a Workers’ Comp Injury Coordinator

10 Tips To Prepare For Workplace Catastrophe

10 Tips To Prepare For Workplace Catastrophe
Create an Effective Wellness Program with 6 Milestones

Get Fit with a Workplace Wellness Program

Get Fit with a Workplace Wellness Program

A Safety Plan For Your Everyday Widget Maker

A Safety Plan For Your Everyday Widget Maker

Building a Better Safety Program in Your Workplace

Building a Better Safety Program in Your Workplace

Make a Bang This Fourth of July in Your Work Comp Program!

Make a Bang This Fourth of July in Your Work Comp Program!

Compare Your Incident Rate to Your Peers – Good or Bad?

Compare Your Incident Rate to Your Peers – Good or Bad?

The Smallest Things Make the Biggest Impact In Work Comp Claims Prevention

The Smallest Things Make the Biggest Impact In Work Comp Claims Prevention

7 Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

7 Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Supervisor Safety Responsibility Needs To Be In Job Description

Supervisor Safety Responsibility Needs To Be In Job Description

Free Download

5-Step Sequence to Coordinate Return-to-Work with ADA Compliance - FREE Download Click Here Now!

Train to Succeed

BECOME CERTIFIED IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Proven Course Catalog & WC Toolbox Give You The Power To Achieve Lower Costs and Better Injured Worker Outcomes

VISIT WORKERS' COMP TRAINING CENTER

Free Download

The 5 Cs For Taking A Bulletproof Injured Worker Recorded Statement - FREE Download Click Here Now!

Train to Succeed

BECOME CERTIFIED IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Proven Course Catalog & WC Toolbox Give You The Power To Achieve Lower Costs and Better Injured Worker Outcomes

VISIT WORKERS' COMP TRAINING CENTER

Free Download

4-Step Sequence For Effective Employee Screening, Hiring, & Placement - FREE Download Click Here Now!

Train to Succeed

BECOME CERTIFIED IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Proven Course Catalog & WC Toolbox Give You The Power To Achieve Lower Costs and Better Injured Worker Outcomes

VISIT WORKERS' COMP TRAINING CENTER

Previous Post: « Controlling Occupational Disease Claims
Next Post: How to Tell When Injuries Occurring Offsite are Compensable Under Workers Comp »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

FREE DOWNLOAD

5-Step Sequence to Coordinate Return-to-Work with ADA Compliance - FREE Download Click Here Now!

FREE DOWNLOAD

The 5 Cs For Taking A Bulletproof Injured Worker Recorded Statement - FREE Download Click Here Now!

FREE DOWNLOAD

4-Step Sequence For Effective Employee Screening, Hiring, & Placement - FREE Download Click Here Now!

Our Sponsors

ARCADIA - Enhancing Settlement Outcomes

The Structured Settlements Company
 

Catastrophic and Risk Solutions, Case Management Solutions, and Specialty Networks
 

Post-Settlement Administration
 

Medcor

Injury Triage, Onsite Clinics

Read Our Award-Winning Blog

Blog Categories

Search Our Archive

Subscribe to Our FREE Newsletter

Return-to-Work Essentials

Footer

Search Our Archive

Search our continually growing archive of over 2500 articles about Workers' Comp issues.

Quiclinks

  • Calculators
  • Terms & Abbreviations
  • Glossary of WC Premium Terms
  • WC Resources
  • Best Practices
  • Industries
  • Return-to-Work Essentials

RSS Recent Blog Posts

  • 6 Factors to Consider in Failed Return To Work
  • Rethinking Wellness Programs in Workers’ Comp
  • 11 Tips for Taking an Effective Recorded Statement in Workers’ Compensation Claims
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEE NEWSLETTER
Let Us Help You Stomp Down the High Cost of Workers' Comp!
Top of Page ↑
  • Home
  • Training Center
  • Search
  • Membership
  • Products
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Login
Copyright © 2023 Amaxx, LLC. All Rights Reserved. · Privacy Policy / Legal Notice