MSHA: Mining fatality, injury rates fell in 2012
Arlington, VA – The mining industry experienced record-low rates for worker fatalities and injuries in 2012, according to preliminary data released April 8 by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
In 2012, the fatality rate was 0.0107 deaths per 200,000 hours worked, down from 0.0114 in 2011 and 0.0234 in 2010. The injury rate was 2.56, compared with 2.73 in 2011 and 2.81 in 2010. The number of fatalities was 35, tying a record low recorded in 2009, according to an MSHA press release.
MSHA issued 11 percent fewer citations and orders in 2012. Although the number of mines in the country decreased slightly, mining employment grew to 387,671 in 2012 from 381,209 in 2011.
Updated fatality and injury figures are expected in June, the agency said.
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