Newly released MSHA data indicate that mining deaths fell to new lows in FY 2016

Who:   U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration

What: MSHA today completed its bi-annual update of its “Data at a Glance,” which shows an all-time low in the number of deaths caused by mine-related injuries for Fiscal Year 2016, and that fatality and injury rates for this period represent the lowest rates ever recorded. It also shows that Calendar Year 2015 was the safest in U.S. mining history.

Background: Results of the latest fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30, 2016, indicate that 25 miners died from mining-related injuries. “Data at a Glance” offers a complete historical profile of mining statistics, based on both calendar and fiscal years. It includes key indicator charts, dating back to 1978, with information on citations and orders issued, penalty assessment amounts, contested violations, fatality and injury rates, respirable dust samples taken since implementation of the respirable dust rule, respirable dust levels in underground mines, discrimination complaints and temporary reinstatements.