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.

  • By Robert Yaniz Jr.
  • Sep 30, 2024

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.

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