MSHA Finds 253 Violations During August 2024 Impact Inspections

MSHA Finds 253 Violations During August 2024 Impact Inspections

The agency inspected 14 mines, identifying 72 significant and substantial violations as well as 11 unwarrantable failures across 10 states.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 14 mines in August 2024, identifying 253 violations. These included 72 significant and substantial (S&S) safety issues and five violations classified as "unwarrantable failures," a designation given when inspectors find more than ordinary negligence.

According to a recent release, the inspections are part of MSHA's ongoing effort to ensure compliance with safety standards in high-risk mining operations. Since 2023, the agency’s impact inspections have uncovered 4,567 violations, with 1,261 categorized as significant and substantial, and 87 considered unwarrantable failures.

MSHA conducts these surprise inspections at mines with a history of poor compliance or prior accidents and injuries. The 14 mines inspected in August were located in 10 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. 

“It is vital that miners play an active role in their safety and health by identifying hazards and reporting them to MSHA for investigation, appropriate enforcement action and abatement,” said MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “Impact inspections are a valuable enforcement tool to ensure hazards are corrected to keep all miners safe and healthy.”

Williamson credits the Biden-Harris administration for focusing on educating miners about their rights, and he has expressed hope that miners continue to exercise those rights to protect themselves and their coworkers.

About the Author

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

Product Showcase

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. 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

  • EMSL Analytical, Inc. - Air Sampling Supplies & Testing Labs

    EMSL Analytical, Inc. operates laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for Asbestos, Mold, Silica, Lead & Metals, Bacteria, Legionella, USP , Combustion By-Products, VOC’s, Radon, PCB’s, Formaldehyde, METH/Fentanyl, Identification of Dust & Unknowns. Sampling Pumps, Cassettes, Media & Supplies available. Reach us at 1-800.220.3675 Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars