MSHA Plans to Curb Mining Deaths in April, One of the Year's Deadliest Months
April traditionally signals the beginning of the spring season for U.S. metal and nonmetal mining operations.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration plans to do its part to curb metal and nonmetal mining deaths during one of the year's deadliest months, April. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Joseph A. Main announced the plans at the 34th Annual South Central Joint Mine Health & Safety Conference in Grapevine, Texas.
The safety initiative is called, "Think, Plan Train… Before You Begin Work!" and is aimed directly at the metal and nonmetal mining industry.
According to the report, 50 miners in the metal and nonmetal mining industry have died in workplace accidents in the month of April since 2000. "Oftentimes, mines resume operations with newly hired or newly assigned employees," said Main. "Some miners may be entirely new to the mining environment, and others may simply be performing unfamiliar tasks."
The safety plan includes targeted safety alerts that mine inspectors share with miners, training representatives, mine operators, and industry stakeholders.