By Mahiyar F. Nasarwanji 

May 10, 2017 - There are about 5 fall-related fatalities in the mining industry every year. Many mining companies have programs to prevent slips and falls. However, due to the large number of incidents, there is a need to take a closer look at what caused these fall fatalities. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed MSHA fatal reports to determine the causes and contributing factors that led to fatal falls in the mining industry.

Most fatal falls occurred during maintenance and repair and during installation, construction, or dismantling operations. Miners affected were most often categorized as laborers, equipment operators, mechanics, and truck drivers. Nearly half the fatalities occurred due to falls from height. Failure of the walking/standing surface, falling though an opening, and unexpected movement of equipment or ground were the leading causes.

Results of this study suggest that there are steps that mines and mine workers can take to prevent fatal falls. This infographic provides recommendations to help prevent these fatal falls. For further information, please read “Causes of fall fatalities at surface mines” available at https://go.usa.gov/x5MXR and “Contributing factors to slip, trip, and fall fatalities at surface coal and metal/nonmetal mines” available at https://go.usa.gov/x5pmr.

For additional information about preventing slips, trips, and falls in your workplace, please contact pithealth@cdc.gov.   

Please click the image below for a PDF version of this infographic.