Inspections Uncover 112 Violations at Eight Mines Across Seven States with Safety Histories

The U.S. Department of Labor has reported that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted targeted inspections in September 2024 at eight mines located in Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These inspections led to the identification of 112 safety violations.

Since 2023, MSHA’s targeted inspections have revealed 4,679 total violations, including 1,285 that were significant and substantial, and 87 categorized as unwarrantable failures. An S&S violation is defined as one that could reasonably result in a serious injury or illness. Unwarrantable failures involve a level of negligence that goes beyond standard oversight. September’s inspections highlighted critical issues such as the lack of personal protective equipment and insufficient machine guarding—key measures that protect miners from severe incidents.

MSHA performs focused inspections at mines with records indicating poor compliance, previous incidents involving injuries or health issues, and other safety concerns. Out of the 112 violations documented in September 2024, 24 were deemed significant and substantial (S&S).

One of the mines subjected to these inspections was the North Indianapolis Quarry & Mill in Hamilton County, Indiana, operated by Martin Marietta Materials Inc. This site was selected due to its history of safety issues. During the inspection on September 12, 2024, MSHA officials identified 42 safety and health violations, 14 of which were marked as S&S, and issued an imminent danger order under section 107(a). This type of order requires the immediate evacuation of miners when severe safety threats are found.

Inspectors found the following conditions:

• An imminent danger order was issued when a miner was observed standing on an elevated platform without fall protection, risking a 23-foot fall. Falls from heights are a significant cause of serious and fatal incidents in mining.
• Widespread housekeeping problems, including the accumulation of materials that created unsafe working conditions. These issues led to 13 citations for slip, trip, and fall hazards, which were prevalent throughout the inspection.
• Unsafe access to work areas was noted, with one S&S violation recorded. Inadequate maintenance of pathways increased the risk of slips and trips, creating potential dangers during routine activities.
• Three citations were issued for insufficient workplace examinations. These lapses meant hazardous conditions were neither identified nor addressed, exposing miners to potential dangers. MSHA mandates that operators promptly inform workers about any unresolved violations and correct them as soon as possible. Proper examinations are crucial for a safe working environment.
• Three violations related to inadequate machine guarding were found, with two assessed as S&S. These included guards failing to prevent contact with moving parts, such as the tail pulley of a belt conveyor and the head pulley of another. An additional non-S&S citation was issued for a guard opening on a third conveyor. Such conditions put miners at risk of entanglement with machinery.

These findings point to systemic safety lapses that exposed miners to significant risks. The high number of S&S violations and repeated non-compliance highlight the urgent need for improved adherence to safety regulations and a stronger commitment to a culture of safety.

Source: MSHA