MSHA's 2011 fatality data reveal 37 miner fatalities in work-related incidents, which is the second-lowest number of fatalities since 1910. According to the agency, it has implemented various measures to help prevent fatalities, including increased surveillance, strategic enforcement, enhanced pattern of violations actions and special initiatives to ensure worker safety.
"It takes the entire mining community to continue to reach new
milestones in health and safety," says MSHA's Assistant Secretary of Labor Joseph Main. "While fewer miners are
dying on the job, we can never alter our focus because, as we know,
things can change in a moment. Miners need the reassurance that they
will return home safe and healthy after each shift."
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers