MSHA Warns of Rising Fall Hazards: 7 Deaths, 3 Injuries
The Mine Safety and Health Administration urges mine operators to strengthen fall protection measures following a rise in violations and fatal incidents.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Mar 27, 2025
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has issued a safety alert following an increase in fall protection violations and incidents in the mining industry. From 2022 to 2024, seven miners lost their lives after falling from heights, and MSHA issued 767 citations for violations related to fall protection standards. Of those violations, 228 were associated with 107(a) imminent danger orders.
The concerning trend has continued into 2025, with three miners already suffering serious injuries from falls. On February 18, a contractor fell 14 feet through an opening in the second level of a shaker tower structure. Less than a month later, on March 13, a miner fell from the deck of a bulldozer, highlighting ongoing safety risks associated with elevated work areas.
In response, MSHA is urging mine operators to implement and maintain comprehensive fall prevention and protection programs to reduce incidents and ensure worker safety.
"Falling hazards are preventable when proper protections are in place. It is critical for mine operators to take necessary steps to safeguard their workers from falls," said Acting MSHA Administrator John Doe.
MSHA recommends several best practices to address fall hazards, including:
- Fall Protection Programs: Establish and enforce comprehensive fall protection systems wherever falling hazards exist. Ensure that fall arrest connections are secure, and anchorage systems are appropriate.
- Training and Education: Educate miners on fall prevention techniques and the correct use of fall protection equipment. Restrict access to unprotected areas.
- Safe Access and Maintenance: Maintain safe access to all work areas using personnel lifts or ladders and keep equipment well-maintained to reduce slip and trip hazards.
- Warning Signals and Barricades: Clearly mark hazardous openings and elevated areas with visible warning signals and barricades.
- Footwear and Safety Protocols: Require slip-resistant footwear and encourage miners to use three points of contact when climbing or working on elevated surfaces.
- Routine Inspections: Conduct regular workplace examinations to identify and correct potential hazards that could affect miner safety.
MSHA is calling on mine operators and safety personnel to take immediate action by implementing these safety measures. Additional resources and guidance are available on MSHA's official website.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.