Mining Publication: Causes of Fall Fatalities at Surface Mines
Original creation date: December 2016
Surface mines can be hazardous places to work, with approximately 5,800 nonfatal injuries a year (MSHA, 2006-2015).Slips and falls are a major contributor to these non- fatal injuries, second only to material handling injuries. Slips and falls account for approximately 26 percent of nonfatal injuries, leading to approximately 64,000 lost work days a year (MSHA, 2006-2015).Adequate attention has not been placed on slips and falls and they continue to be a significant cause of mining fatalities. In fact,55 (11 percent) of the 487 fatal incidents reported by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) between 2006 and 2015 were due to slips and falls at surface mines (MSHA, 2006-2015). Most mines have programs to prevent slips and falls. However, due to the high prevalence of slip and fall injuries and fatalities, there is a need to take a closer look at what causes fatal slip and fall incidents. A better understanding of these incidents can help companies prevent future fatalities. To that end, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a review of slip and fall fatalities to better understand their causes.
Authors: MF Nasarwanji
Non-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - December 2016
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20049245
Min Eng 2016 Dec; 68(12):web exclusive
Non-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - December 2016
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20049245
Min Eng 2016 Dec; 68(12):web exclusive
See Also
- Best Practices to Mitigate Injuries and Fatalities from Rock Falls
- Blasting Injuries in Surface Mining with Emphasis on Flyrock and Blast Area Security
- The Effects of Disaster on Workers: A Study of Burnout in Investigators of Serious Accidents and Fatalities in the U.S. Mining Industry
- Ergonomic and Statistical Assessment of Safety in Deep-Cut Mines
- Fatal Accidents Due to Flyrock and Lack of Blast Area Security and Working Practices in Mining
- Independent Contractor Trends in the United States Mining Industry
- Injuries, Illnesses, and Hazardous Exposures in the Mining Industry, 1986-1995: A Surveillance Report
- A Review of Recent Accidents Involving Explosives Transport
- A Summary of Fatal Accidents Due to Flyrock and Lack of Blast Area Security in Surface Mining, 1989 to 1999
- Underground Coal Mining Disasters and Fatalities: United States, 1900-2006
- Page last reviewed: 5/9/2017
- Page last updated: 5/5/2017
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program