Department of Labor completed impact inspections at 15 mines with histories of repeated health, safety violations in January 2024

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted impact inspections at 15 mines in 10 states in January 2024, issuing 188 violations. The inspections were aimed at identifying and addressing hazards that endangered miners' safety and health. A total of 63 serious and substantial (S&S) violations were identified, along with one unwarrantable failure finding. The inspections found various hazards, including powered haulage, highwall, inadequate training, and other hazards, which required corrective actions to protect miners' safety and health. Notably, the inspections at the Lone Star Quarry and Mill in Missouri identified 24 violations, including 13 S&S violations, caused by multiple hazardous conditions that posed a significant risk to miners' safety and health.