MSHA Finds 195 Violations During June 2024 Impact Inspections — Occupational Health & Safety

MSHA Finds 195 Violations During June 2024 Impact Inspections

The agency inspected 15 mines, identifying 31 significant and substantial violations as well as 3 unwarrantable failure findings.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• Aug 02, 2024

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) concluded a series of inspections in June 2024, targeting 15 mines across 12 states with a total of 195 violations, including 31 significant and substantial (S&S) violations and three unwarrantable failure findings.

According to a recent release, these impact inspections were introduced after the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine explosion in West Virginia, which claimed 29 lives. Since 2023, the agency has identified 4,075 violations, including 1,119 S&S violations and 71 unwarrantable failure findings. An S&S violation is one that could significantly contribute to a safety or health hazard, while unwarrantable failure findings indicate aggravated conduct beyond ordinary negligence.

Impact inspections focus on mines with poor compliance histories, previous accidents and other compliance concerns. In June 2024, inspections were conducted in California, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

“MSHA impact inspections in June 2024 highlight the hazards created when mine operators fail to follow approved ventilation plans that protect miners from explosions and exposure to respirable dust,” MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson said in a statement. “The Biden-Harris administration’s continued focus on good jobs includes using enforcement tools to identify and eliminate hazards so miners are able to return home each day to their families and their communities safe and healthy.”

MSHA’s monthly impact inspections results, including those for June 2024, are available online.