MSHA May Impact Inspection Results Released
The agency announces the results of the May impact inspections, which include 172 citations, 21 orders and two safeguards
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released the results of the May impact inspections. During the month, federal inspectors issues 172 citations, 21 orders and two safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 10 coal mines and two metal and non-metal mines.
One of the inspections was completed at BCJ Sand and Rock Inc. in Butte County, California. During this particular inspection, MSHA issued 19 citations and 17 orders. The operator failed to properly store an oxygen cylinder (creating a fire/explosion hazard), failed to repair a haul truck operating with six severely damaged tires and more. In addition, the plant manager (also a miner) continued to access the mine site without receiving the mandatory new miner training – something he had been cited for before.
The inspections, which began after the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion in April 2010, occur at mines that merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to previous concerns or poor compliance history.