MSHA Results of January Impact Inspections

MSHA today announced that federal inspectors issued 253 citations, orders and safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 12 coal mines and four metal/nonmetal mines last month. These inspections began in April 2010 following the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine, and involve mines that demand increased agency attention and enforcement due to poor compliance history or other compliance concerns. This includes high numbers of violations, frequent hazard complaints, plan compliance issues, injuries, fatalities and adverse conditions such as increased methane liberation, faulty roof conditions and inadequate ventilation. In one January inspection, violations exposed miners to the risk of silicosis, black lung and a potential explosion. The mine operator also failed to control draw rock which exposed miners to the risk of being struck by pieces of falling roof. According to Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, while the program has resulted in improved compliance, the seriousness of the violations found in January demonstrate why targeted enforcement is still necessary. For more information, view the spreadsheet containing the results of impact inspections in January 2012.