MSHA Says Coal Mining Deaths at Historic Low

The agency's preliminary fatality data for 2014 show 40 miners were killed in work-related accidents.

  • Jan 07, 2015

Preliminary data released by MSHA show 40 miners died in work-related accidents at the nation's mines during 2014, two fewer than the previous year, according to the agency's news release. Coal mining deaths dropped from 20 in 2013 to 16 in 2014, the lowest annual number of coal mining deaths ever recorded in the United States.

Twenty-four deaths occurred in metal and nonmetal mines last year, an increase from 22 deaths in 2013. The most common causes of accidents in 2014 involved powered haulage and machinery; five powered haulage and five machinery-related deaths occurred in coal mines, and powered haulage accounted for eight deaths in metal and nonmetal mining.

"Mining deaths are preventable, and those that occurred in 2014 are no exception," said Joe Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "While MSHA and the mining industry have made a number of improvements and have been moving mine safety in the right direction, these deaths, particularly those in the metal and nonmetal industry, makes clear the need to do more to protect our nation's miners."

Ten coal mining deaths occurred underground and six occurred at surface operations. In metal/nonmetal mining, six deaths occurred underground and 18 occurred at surface operations.

Product Showcase

  • Safety Knives

    Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company LLC has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal-detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. machines and is X-ray visible. 3

  • ID Cards and Badges

    ID Cards and Badges

    Does your facility need forklift licenses, safety certification badges, name tags or safety reference cards? Now you can create your own durable safety ID cards or badges onsite using a standard desktop laser printer. Simply use free Avery software and templates to customize your cards or badges, and then print directly on the durable 11 mil plastic material on one or both sides. These cards and badges are waterproof, tearproof and resistant to chemicals, UV fading and abrasion – no lamination needed. For more information, see Avery® at the ASSP Safety 2023 Show booth #1662 or visit www.avery.com/industrial. 3

  • Super Duty Glove line

    Super Duty Glove line

    The Super Duty Glove line from Lift Safety offers 360-degree protection and optimal fit with a cut-resistant composite knit fabric liner. Back-of-hand impact protection extends to the fingertips and between the thumb and index finger, while anatomically designed palm padding boasts high-density EVA foam against vibration without loss of dexterity. Certified ANSI/ISEA 105 A5 Cut Level and CE EN388 requirements. 3

Featured

Most   Popular