MSHA Identifies 112 Violations Throughout September 2024 Impact Inspections
The agency conducted inspections at eight mines, identifying 24 significant and substantial violations as well as one imminent danger order across seven states.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Nov 04, 2024
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed a series of targeted inspections at eight mines in September 2024. In all, the agency found 112 violations, including 24 significant and substantial (S&S) violations and one imminent danger order.
According to a recent release, impact inspections are a key part of MSHA’s mission, focusing on sites with histories of safety infractions, accidents or other serious compliance concerns. Impact inspections began after the tragic April 2010 explosion in West Virginia at the Upper Big Branch Mine, an incident which killed 29 miners.
The September 2024 inspections included mines in Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Among the inspected sites was the North Indianapolis Quarry & Mill in Indiana, operated by Martin Marietta Materials Inc., where MSHA issued an imminent danger order when a miner was found working on an elevated deck without adequate fall protection, risking a potentially fatal fall of 23 feet.
“September 2024 impact inspections identified hazards such as lack of personal protective equipment and inadequate machine guarding. These important protections keep miners safe and prevent serious accidents,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “The Biden-Harris administration continues to demonstrate that impact inspections remain an important tool to hold operators accountable and eliminate hazards that put miners’ safety and health at risk.”
Since 2023, MSHA’s impact inspections have identified 4,679 violations, including 1,285 significant and substantial violations as well as 87 unwarrantable failure findings.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.