MSHA: Mining deaths up, injuries down

Arlington, VA – Deaths in the mining industry increased in 2013, but overall injuries declined, according to recently released preliminary data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The data indicates 42 mining deaths occurred last year, up from 36 in 2012. The fatal injury rate in 2013 was 0.0132 per 200,000 hours worked; in 2012 it was 0.0110. The total injury rate dropped to 2.46 in 2013 from 2.56 in 2012, and last year had more than 10,000 fewer nonfatal injuries.

The number of citations and orders MSHA issued in 2013 for the entire mining industry was 118,759, a 15 percent decline from 2012. The agency attributed to greater mining industry compliance.

MSHA released the preliminary data April 10. Finalized data is scheduled to be released in July.