MSHA Finds 119 Violations in December 2024 Impact Inspections
MSHA conducted 13 mine inspections in December 2024, uncovering 119 violations.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 20, 2025
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted impact inspections at 13 mines across eight states in December 2024, uncovering 119 violations. Of these, 32 were deemed significant and substantial (S&S), and two were classified as unwarrantable failures, which indicate aggravated negligence.
According to a recent release, the inspections targeted mines with poor compliance records, prior accidents or other safety concerns. MSHA has conducted these inspections since the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in West Virginia, which killed 29 miners.
“MSHA’s December 2024 impact inspections identified slip, trip and fall hazards that put miners at unnecessary risk, especially when extra caution is needed during winter months. Mine operators must conduct adequate examinations proactively to identify and eliminate hazards promptly,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “Impact inspections remain a critical enforcement tool that MSHA can use to prioritize miners’ safety and health.”
The December findings included inspections at mines in Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia. In 2023 and 2024, MSHA performed 343 impact inspections at 300 mines, identifying 5,246 violations, including 1,456 S&S violations and 102 unwarrantable failures.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.