There were 17 fatal accidents in metal and nonmetal mines in 2012. This represents a "continued" decline in fatalities, as only 2011 had a lower total (16). The reduction is also consistent with the success of metal and nonmetal mine operators in reducing workplace injuries overall. Annualized MSHA statistics are currently available through 2011. The rates of injuries have consistently declined from 3.54 per 200,000 hours in 2005 to 2.28 in 2011. Still, as operator safety improves, operator compliance statistics are not getting better like you would expect. Given the success in reducing accidents, it is absurd to think that operators are neglecting safety.
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