Surprise Mine Inspections Expose Safety Violations

摘要

MSHA reported the results of impact inspections conducted from April through August 2010. During that time, enforcement personnel visited 111 coal and metalonmetal mines designated as having safety or health issues. Inspectors issued 2,660 violations, 45% of which were classified as significant and substantial. According to MSHA, the targeted inspections are part of an aggressive enforcement strategy launched in the wake of the worst mining disaster in almost 40 years. "We have learned a lot of hard lessons since the explosion at Upper Big Branch Mine," says MSHA Administrator Joseph Main. "While a number of mine operators receiving impact inspections have taken positive steps to clean up their act, some have refused to take seriously their responsibility to protect workers and change their ways.