Good news recently graced the mining industry as the Mining Safety and health Administration released preliminary data showing that mine fatalities in 2008 dropped to 31 percent from 2007. This is the lowest recorded number of fatalities in the mining industry. Since the very first time statistics were recorded in 1910, the lowest recorded fatality rate in the sector is that in metal/nonmetal mines.
“Although these numbers demonstrate continuing improvements at our nation’s mines, they also represent significant loss to the families and friends of 51 miners,” said Richard E. Stickler, acting assistant secretary of labor for MSHA. “We must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to bring all miners home safe and healthy at the end of every shift.”
Stickler also cited some of the agency’s milestones in 2008, which include the implementation of eight final rules and the first completion of all mandated safety and health inspections.
You can visit the MSHA site to check out the detailed summary of the agency’s enforcement and assessment activities, as well as the mining industry’s safety and health performance from fiscal year 2000 to 2008.
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