MSHA Reports on Impact Inspections

The Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports that federal inspectors issued 134 citations, orders and safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at eight coal mines and eight metal/nonmetal mines in March. The coal mines were issued 55 citations, four orders and one safeguard; the metal/nonmetal operations were issued 69 citations and five orders.

The inspections began in April 2010 following the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine. The program targets mines with poor compliance history or particular compliance concerns; indications of operator tactics that prevent inspectors from observing violations; a high number of accidents, injuries, or illnesses; fatalities; or a history of frequent complaints or hotline calls.

MSHA says that although the inspections are making a positive difference for miners, some operators still are not getting the message that it is ultimately their responsibility to find and fix problems at their mines.

To date 244 impact inspections have been conducted, resulting in 4,392 citations, 405 orders, and 14 safeguards.