MSHA’s
“Rules to Live By” initiative is an outreach and enforcement program
designed to reduce mining injuries and fatalities. The third phase of this
initiative, to begin April 1, will focus on 14 safety standards. Violations
related to the targeted standards have contributed to at least five deaths from
2001 to 2010.
According to MSHA, 609 miners died in workplace incidents from
2001 through 2010. During that period, violations associated with eight coal
standards contributed to 58 deaths, and violations associated with six metal
and nonmetal standards contributed to 47 deaths.
During this phase, MSHA will increase scrutiny for violations
related to the targeted standards and provide online training to the mining
industry. The agency will also reach out to engage miners during inspections to
disseminate compliance assistance materials, including engineering suggestions
and safety target materials packages, to help address and eliminate workplace
hazards.