Mine Safety and Health Administration’s ‘Stand Down to Save Lives’ to Take Place on May 17
This is the first time the event is being held.
- By Alex Saurman
- May 12, 2023
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will be hosting a new event this year that focuses on health and safety.
The agency’s “Stand Down to Save Lives” will take place on May 17, but members of the mining industry are encouraged to gather together to discuss “the importance of safety and health in and around U.S. mines” at any point that week, according to a news release.
In 2022, there were 29 fatalities in the mining industry—a number lower than both the 2013 to 2022 average and the number of fatalities in 2021, according to MSHA. That same year, the injury rate, at 1.86, was the second lowest it’s been in 10 years. However, so far in 2023, there have been 18 fatalities. At the same time last year, there were only 12 fatalities.
“The Mine Safety and Health Administration’s inaugural ‘Stand Down to Save Lives’ continues our education and outreach efforts to reduce fatalities, serious injuries and illnesses in the mining industry,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson in the news release. “Miners are safer and healthier when the entire mining community works together, and we encourage everyone to dedicate time and resources to focus on protecting the nation’s miners.”
Along with publishing resources for the event, MSHA has provided a list of questions participants can talk about:
- “Owners and operators: How can you improve safety and health programs, maintenance of equipment, and hazard reporting to make them more effective?
- Supervisors and managers: How can you improve training and workplace examinations? Have you addressed any concerns raised prior to your shift?
- Miners: Do you have properly fitted personal protective equipment and are you fully trained on any equipment you are operating?”
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.