MSHA Identifies 162 Violations in November 2024 Impact Inspections
The agency conducted inspections at 14 mines, including 44 significant and substantial violations and one unwarrantable failure.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Dec 25, 2024
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted 14 impact inspections in November 2024, identifying 162 violations across mines in 11 states. Among these were 44 significant and substantial (S&S) violations and one unwarrantable failure.
Impact inspections target mines with poor compliance histories, prior accidents or other safety concerns. They are part of MSHA’s broader efforts to enhance miner safety following the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine explosion in West Virginia, which claimed 29 lives. S&S violations are those likely to result in serious injuries or illnesses, while unwarrantable failures involve aggravated conduct beyond ordinary negligence.
“During the winter months, it is incredibly important for mine operators to ensure their miners have safe access and clean working areas that are free from slip, trip and fall, as well as other hazards,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “This administration continues to use all of its tools, including impact inspections, to prioritize miners’ safety and health.”
The November findings included inspections at mines in Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Identified hazards includes loose mine ribs, defective equipment and unsafe access points. Since 2023, MSHA’s impact inspections have uncovered over 5,100 violations across 330 mines, highlighting the need for safety compliance.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.