MSHA Requires Examinations as of July 2018

The mining industry in the United States ships over $78 billion worth of materials annually, excluding gas and oil. Mine workers extract, beneficiate, and process naturally occurring solid materials from the earth, including coal, metals, and minerals. These substances are essential to the American economy. For instance, coal accounts for 50 percent of electrical power in the United States, and the production of the modern computer requires 65 different minerals.

More than 500,000 people work in the mining industry, which in turn supports 1.8 million additional jobs in supported fields. As important as this industry is to our success as a nation, it is also hazardous. Even excluding catastrophes, mining poses a high injury risk for workers.

If we went on news stories alone, the general population would understand that mining is a dangerous profession. Thankfully, the last three decades have seen many advancements in safety regulations for miners, which significantly improved working conditions. Still, there is a high risk of on-the-job injuries due to the following: 

• Cave-in;
• Flood;
• Gas explosions;
• Chemical leakage;
• Noise pollution;
• Electrocution; and
• Health risks.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently announced new regulations that are enforceable as of July 2, 2018. The new standards require:

• An examination of each work area before each new shift begins;
• Prompt correction of any adverse conditions before employee exposure;
• If correction is unable to be made before miners begin, mine operators must make all workers in the area aware of the risks and dangers; and
• A record of each examination must be made before the shift ends and includes: the examiner's name, examination date, the location of the exam, notation of all areas which may adversely affect health and safety, and date of correction when it occurs. This record must be available upon request. 

Injuries sustained at mines are often long-term and life-threatening. Accidents happen despite all of the warnings, examinations, and preventative measures, often to due to the negligence of someone else. Workers' compensation may be available, but it frequently does not cover all medical expenses.

The attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. understand the severe toll injury takes on victims and their families. We will help you explore your options for recovering financial compensation for medical and rehabilitative costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call (408) 289-1417 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a San Jose, CA workplace injury attorney today.

• Mining Industry Profile
• MSHA Training and Compliance Resources and FAQ
• On-the-Job Risks of Mining