MSHA’s Special Impact Mine Inspections Result in Hundreds of Citations

Oct. 26, 2011
When MSHA conducted special impact inspections at 20 mines in September, the agency uncovered safety concerns that included accumulations of combustible dust, an open and unsupported excavation hole, nonworking self-contained self-rescuer units, inadequate pre-shift examinations, inadequate testing of electrical grounding systems and more. The inspections resulted in a spate of citations, orders and safeguards against the mines.

Special impact inspections target mines that MSHA deems are in need of “increased agency attention and enforcement” due to poor compliance history or compliance concerns. MSHA began conducting these inspections in April 2010 in the wake of the deadly Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

As part of the September 2011 inspections, MSHA inspected 18 coal mines and two metal/nonmetal mines. Across all 20 mines, MSHA issued 374 citations, orders and safeguards – 292 citations, 28 orders and one safeguard for coal mines and 52 citations and one order for the metal/nonmetal mines.

At the D & C Mining Corp.'s underground coal mine in Harlan County, Ky., for example, MSHA issued an imminent danger order for a cigarette lighter found near the continuous mining machine. This condition provided an ignition source in the presence of combustible materials, loose coal and coal dust accumulations in an area with inadequate rock dust to prevent an explosion. The investigators’ findings marked the second time since February that smoking articles were found underground at this mine.

Inspectors also wrote two withdrawal orders for D & C’s inadequate roof and rib supports at the face area of the mine. Violations included loose, unsupported drawrock, as well as wide roof and rib bolt spacing, all of which created the potential for roof and rib collapses. Altogether, this mine racked up seven withdrawal orders, one imminent danger order and 11 citations, of which 16 were designated significant and substantial.

"The closure order is still one of the most effective tools inspectors have to bring about compliance, even during impact inspections," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "We will not hesitate to use this and other enforcement tools to protect the nation's miners."

Since April 2010, MSHA has conducted 347 impact inspections, which have resulted in 6,187 citations, 584 orders and 22 safeguards. A PDF of the September 2011 inspection list can be downloaded here.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

Sponsored Recommendations

Navigating ESG Risk in Your Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover the role of ESG in supply chains, from reducing carbon footprints to complying with new regulations and enhancing long-term business value.

Understanding ESG Risks in the Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Understand the critical role of ESG in supply chains, the risks for hiring companies, and the competitive edge suppliers gain by prioritizing sustainability.

Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Risk

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover how to effectively manage subcontractor risk with unified strategies, enhanced oversight, and clear communication for consistent safety and compliance.

Building a Culture of Support: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace

Sept. 26, 2024
Find best practices for setting up an organizational culture that promotes positive mental health and suicide prevention.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!