MSHA Finds 247 Violations During April 2024 Impact Inspections
The agency inspected 15 mines, accounting for 67 significant and substantial violations, in April 2024.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- May 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 15 mines in April 2024, uncovering 247 violations and issuing two safeguards. These inspections targeted mines in 11 states with histories of repeated health and safety violations, previous accidents and other safety concerns.
According to a release dated May 28, inspectors identified 67 significant and substantial (S&S) violations. These violations could significantly contribute to safety or health hazards. The inspections also issued site-specific standards at underground coal mines to mitigate transportation hazards relating to miners and materials in haulage ways.
“April’s impact inspections found serious conditions that placed miners at risk of slip, trip and fall and powered haulage hazards,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “More than half of the fatal accidents so far this year have involved powered haulage. Mine operators, contractors and miners need to remain vigilant in identifying and eliminating hazards.”
The MSHA began conducting impact inspections after the tragic explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia in April 2010, which resulted in the deaths of 29 miners. Since 2023, these inspections have identified 3,580 violations, including 1,026 S&S violations and 63 unwarrantable failure findings.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.