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Mining safety gets $250K boost

October 1, 2018

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration has awarded $250,000 to four organizations to develop and conduct training programs that support the recognition and prevention of safety and health hazards in underground mines.

Cold weather mine safety tips

Joseph A. Main

December 23, 2016

Historically, December has been a particularly tragic month in U.S. coal mining. Considered the worst mining accident ever, explosions at West Virginia’s Monongah Nos. 6 and 8 in 1906 claimed 362 lives.

MSHA implements 2nd phase of respirable coal dust rule

Main says rule is achieving goal

February 8, 2016

Eighteen months after its landmark rule aimed at preventing black lung disease took effect, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is implementing Phase II. Beginning today, underground coal mine operators are required to collect an increased number of coal dust samples, use a continuous personal dust monitor to measure dust levels in real time, and notify miners more quickly about the results of dust sampling.

Mining fatalities increased in 2014

April 17, 2015

While mining injuries were down last year, mining deaths increased – especially in the metal and nonmetal sector, according to preliminary data released this week by the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Labor Secretary goes underground for coal mining reality

December 5, 2014

Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez got a taste of the coal miner’s life on Dec. 1, when he descended 1,000 feet below the earth’s surface for an underground tour of a Cumberland Coal Resources LP mine in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

Eight U.S. miners killed in accidents in third quarter of 2014

MSHA releases fatality data

October 30, 2014

The eight miners who died in accidents in U.S. mines from July 1 to Sept. 30 are “a harsh reminder of why mines must be vigilant in ensuring effective safety programs and fostering a culture of safety first,” Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Joseph A. Main said.

U.S. mining deaths increase in 2013

April 16, 2014

Data released by the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) shows an uptick in mining fatalities during 2013 – despite an improvement in the overall injury rates for the mining industry.

MSHA seeking comments about miners’ escape options

Agency reviewing existing regulations

August 12, 2013

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is requesting data, comments and information about refuge alternatives for miners in underground coal mines.

PA coal mine operator guilty of “flagrant” safety violation

Dangerous conditions uncovered after miner gets shocked

April 12, 2013

Rox Coal Inc., which operates the Geronimo Mine in Somerset County, Pa., has been found in violation of a mandatory electrical hazard safety standard by an administrative law judge with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. The ALJ deemed the violation “quintessentially flagrant” and ordered the company to pay a $110,000 civil penalty.