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Mining Deaths Drop Overall in 2000

Jan. 10, 2001

Fatal injuries at mining operations in the United States last year\r\ndecreased nearly six percent from the previous year, according to\r\nMSHA.

EHS Today Staff

Fatal injuries at mining operations in the United States last year decreased nearly six percent from the previous year, according to preliminary data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Eighty-five miners died in on-the-job accidents in 2000, compared with 90 in 1999.

In the nation''s metal and nonmetal mines, 47 miners died in fatal accidents during 2000 compared to 55 in 1999.

In spite of an overall decrease in deaths, fatalities rose in the coal sector with 38 in 2000 compared to 35 in 1999.

Preliminary data show that of the 38 accidental coal mining deaths last year, 18 occurred in underground coal mines, said MSHA.

The leading cause of coal mining fatalities were powered haulage and machinery, each accounting for 10 deaths, followed by four fatal accidents caused by slips and falls.

Kentucky had the highest number of fatal coal mining accidents with 13. West Virginia followed with 9. Nevada led the nation in metal and nonmetal mining with six fatalities. Texas was next with 4, according to the agency.

Coal miners worked a total of 143.8 million hours through the third quarter of 2000 compared to 156.1 million for the same period of 1999.

Metal and nonmetal miners worked a total of 323.9 million hours through September of this year compared to 324.5 million for the same period of 1999.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.