The mining industry has set a record low for fatalities in United States operations. According to preliminary data released by MSHA, deaths dropped from 45 in 2014 to 28 in 2015 – a nearly 40 percent decrease. This figure indicates the lowest number ever recorded and the first year that mining deaths dropped below 30. Preliminary data indicates that 11 miners died in work-related accidents at coal operations in 2015, and 17 miners died at U.S. metal and non-metal operations.
“The safety and health of our Nation’s mining workforce is paramount,” stated SME Executive Director David L. Kanagy. “Mine safety is extremely important to SME as evidenced by our creation of a Health and Safety Division, as well as an increase in the number of technical sessions and symposia focused on worker safety. We are pleased to see the industry’s progress toward achieving the goal of zero fatalities and a 50 percent reduction in rate of injuries by 2020.”
Assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, Joseph A. Main, also credits the agency’s use of strategic enforcement tools, compliance assistance, training and outreach efforts to the mining industry as major factors in the improvement of mine safety.