Mining Fatalities Increase in 2013

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released preliminary data revealing that 42 miners died in work-related incidents in 2013, up from 36 mining fatalities that occurred in 2012. The first three quarters of 2013 showed a record low rate of fatalities, however, in the fourth quarter, six coal miners and nine metal/nonmetal miners died as a result of work-related incidents.

Other notable statistics include the following:

• Twenty coal mining deaths occurred in 2013, the same number as took place in 2012.
• There were 22 metal/nonmetal mining fatalities in 2013, compared with 16 in 2012.
• Only four mining deaths in 2013 involved contractors, marking the lowest number of contractor deaths since data collection began in 1983.
• Fourteen coal mining deaths occurred underground and six occurred at surface operations.
• Five metal/nonmetal mining fatalities occurred underground compared with 17 that occurred at surface operations.
• The most common causes of mining incidents in 2013 involved machinery and powered haulage equipment.
• West Virginia was the state with the greatest number of coal mining deaths (six).
• Kentucky showed the most metal/nonmetal mining deaths (four).

Find the complete release here.