Nine each were killed in coal mining and metal and nonmetal mining accidents. Six coal miners died in less than 30 days—four of them in West Virginia—which led to increased actions by MSHA. In both coal and metal and nonmetal mining, one of the miners killed was a contractor. Among the nine coal mining deaths, two miners died in machinery accidents, three in powered haulage accidents, and two in roof fall accidents. One miner died in an accident resulting from exploding vessels under pressure when he was struck by a hydraulic cylinder on a filter press, and one was killed in a hoisting accident.
To review MSHA’s analysis of mining fatalities that occurred during the first half of 2013, along with best practices to help mining operations avoid similar fatalities, go to the agency’s website at www.msha.gov/fatals/summaries/summaries.asp.
