MSHA Releases Second 2024 Pattern of Violations Screening to Protect Miners
MSHA's latest review found no U.S. mines meeting Pattern of Violations criteria for the first time since 2021, reflecting improvements in compliance and miner safety.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 13, 2025
For the first time since 2021, no U.S. mines met the criteria for a Pattern of Violations (POV) designation during the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) second 2024 screening, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to a recent release, the POV screening—which covered a 12-month enforcement period ending November 30, 2024—helps identify mines with chronic safety issues under Section 104(e) of the Mine Act. MSHA uses the process to assess mines with patterns of significant and substantial (S&S) violations that could contribute to serious safety or health hazards.
“When the mining industry experienced a troubling increase in fatalities in 2023, MSHA actively led efforts to combat the trend, including enhanced enforcement like Pattern of Violations and impact inspections to improve compliance and focus on chronic violators,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “Mining fatal accidents decreased by 30 percent in 2024, and no mines were identified during the most recent POV screening. We know from recent experience and history that an active, adequately staffed MSHA is critical to preventing accidents and protecting miners’ safety and health.”
MSHA's data indicates broader compliance improvements beyond the mines that meet POV criteria. Over the past two years, the 200 mines with the most S&S violations saw a 15 percent reduction in these violations, a 10 percent decrease in total violations and a 26 percent drop in elevated enforcement actions.
However, MSHA emphasized that POV notices remain in effect for two mines: Atalco Gramercy LLC's Gramercy Operation in Louisiana and Morton Salt Inc.'s Weeks Island Mine and Mill, also in Louisiana. Both were flagged for S&S violations linked to hazardous conditions. Since receiving their notices, these mines have faced hundreds of withdrawal orders and enforcement actions, including 60 violations during a recent inspection at Gramercy Operation.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.