MSHA finds 188 violations in January 2024 impact inspection
The agency identified 63 serious and critical violations across 15 mines.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 15 mines across 10 states in January 2024. As a result, 188 violations were identified, including 63 significant and significant (S&S) findings and one unjustified deficiency.
According to a Feb. 26 announcement, MSHA has completed impact testing in Arizona, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The agency began conducting these inspections in response to the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster. Landmines are selected for impact testing based on poor compliance history, past accidents, injuries or fatalities, and other compliance concerns.
“Thanks to these impact tests, MSHA is able to identify power transport, high walls, inadequate training, and other hazards that endanger miners and take corrective action to protect the safety and health of miners.” Action was necessary,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement.
A total of 2,927 violations were found in MSHA's impact inspections from 2023 onwards.
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Robert Yaniz Jr. is content editor for Occupational Safety and Health.
