MSHA Cited 247 Violations in December 2023 Mine Inspections

MSHA Cited 247 Violations in December 2023 Mine Inspections

The agency identified a total of 2,739 violations throughout 2023.

In December 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) concluded impact inspections at 16 mines across 11 states. This resulted in the issuance of 247 violations, including 57 deemed significant and substantial (S&S) and three unwarrantable failure findings.

According to a release dated Jan. 29, MSHA completed impact inspections in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The agency launched monthly impact inspections following the 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, which claimed 29 lives. Mines are selected based on poor compliance history, past accidents, injuries or death, and other compliance concerns.

“In 2023, MSHA employees demonstrated the importance of conducting impact inspections by identifying hazards, issuing violations, and ensuring that corrective actions were taken to protect miners’ health and safety,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “In 2024, the Biden-Harris administration will continue to focus on good jobs, including ensuring that miners are able to return home each day to their families and their communities safe and healthy.”

Throughout 2023, MSHA’s impact inspections uncovered 2,739 violations, including 764 categorized as S&S and 56 unwarrantable failure findings. An S&S violation poses a serious risk of injury or illness, while an unwarrantable failure indicates negligence beyond the ordinary.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • AirChek Connect Sampling Pump

    Stay connected to your sampling with the SKC AirChek® Connect Sampling Pump! With its Bluetooth connection to PC and mobile devices, you can monitor AirChek Connect pump operation without disrupting workflow. SKC designed AirChek Connect specifically for all OEHS professionals to ensure accurate, reliable flows from 5 to 5000 ml/min and extreme ease of use. AirChek Connect offers easy touch screen operation and flexibility. It is quality built to serve you and the workers you protect. Ask about special pricing and a demo at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. Read More

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. Read More

  • SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit

    The SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit is a single-use spot test designed for use in screening for cannabis compounds in any sample type or on any surface. The test is capable of identifying the presumed presence of cannabinoids in very small quantities, with a level of detection as little as 6 μg in mass. Learn more about the SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit and the rest of SwabTek surface drug testing solutions through the webinar titled "Everything You Want To Know About Surface Testing" Read More

Featured

Webinars