Do you like numbers? Then you'll love perusing this report. Lots and lots of numbers giving you the final fatalities and injuries in mining. There are breakdowns by industry, work location, State, accident classification and more. Need injury-incidence rates for contractors? This report has got them. Just click here to open/download this pdf file from MSHA.
On July 2, 2009, a 52-year old mine owner with 34 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface dimension stone operation. He was working alone and was operating a walk behind masonry saw on a ledge. Apparently he was positioned between the saw and the edge when he tripped and fell. The victim and the saw went over the 9-foot ledge and the saw fell on him.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)
A White House press release announced intentions to nominate a number of government officials yesterday including Joseph Main as Assistant Secretary for MSHA. The press release says the following about Mr. Main:
Joseph A. (Joe) Main, has vast mine health safety experience in the
U.S. and is internationally recognized as an expert in mining health
issues. A Greene County Pennsylvania native, now residing in
Spotsylvania, VA, Mr. Main began working in coal mines in 1967 and
quickly became an advocate for miners safety as a union safety
committeeman as well as serving in various local union positions in the
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). He was employed by the UMWA in
1974 as a Special Assistant to the International President, and joined
the UMWA Safety Division in 1976, serving as Safety Inspector,
Administrative Assistant, and Deputy Director. In 1982 he was appointed
Administrator of the UMWA Occupational Health and Safety Department, a
position he held for 22 years, managing the international health and
safety program and staff. He has considerable hands on experience
inspecting and evaluating mining conditions, plans and systems. Mr.
Main currently works as a self-employed mine safety consultant. His
recent work has focused on international mine safety, research and
analysis projects on preventing mining accidents, and development of
training programs and facilities to prepare miners and emergency
responders for mine emergencies. He was born in Waynesburg, PA, and is
a graduate of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy.
Just wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday. If you need some materials for fireworks safety, especially for children. Check out kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/fireworks.html
On June 20, 2009, a 52-year old equipment oiler/greaser with 24 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground salt mine. He was cleaning equipment when a large roof fall occurred.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)
June 21 – 27 is National Lightning Safety Week. There are some good materials for work or home on the National Weather Service web page. Click here to check them out.
Is lightning a serious safety issue for you or your company? There were more people killed by lightning last year than working in Metal/Nonmetal mines. Check it out, it’s shocking! (okay, I apologize… I just had to add that last bit.)
On June 11, 2009, a 57-year old mechanic with 31 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground lead/zinc mine while checking for a hydraulic leak on a loader. The victim leaned into the ejector plate relief port in the back of the loader bucket. The ejector plate of the bucket was retracted, crushing him against the back of the bucket.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)
On June 6, 2009, a 57-year old surface driller with 27 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface gold mine. The victim was drilling in a pit, exited the drill, and was walking in the drill area when he was struck by a flatbed truck as it backed up. The truck was in the area to collect drill cutting sample bags.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)