MSHA Releases April Impact Inspection Results
The agency released the results of its April impact inspections.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released the results of its April impact inspections, according to a press release from the agency. The results show that the agency issued 147 citations and 15 orders at impact inspections conducted at 12 coal mines and four metal and nonmetal mines during the month of April.
One such inspection was completed on April 7 at Alcoa World Alumina LLC's Bayer Alumina Plant in Calhoun County, Texas. MSHA issued 27 citations and seven orders to the mine operator following the visit for various hazards. According to MSHA, the mine operator failed to provide safety chains or other suitable locking devices connecting high-pressure hose lines, maintain guards on various pumps (exposing workers to potentially disabling injuries), and more. In addition, the inspectors found "large pieces of metal slag dropping from an overhead structure, creating a falling material hazard, and they noted the absence of warning signs to alert miners about high-voltage areas." The mine operator was cited for various other citations, as well.
MSHA began conducting the monthly inspections in April 2010 following the Upper Big Branch mine explosion. The inspections involve mines that merit increased agency attention.