More mine operators are taking responsibility for their workers' safety and health, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which said both metal and nonmetal mines have shown improvements.
Preliminary data indicate a 14 percent decrease in citations and orders issued at these mines – 74,373 in 2010 compared to 64,186 in 2011. Furthermore, the percentage that are significant and substantial citations and orders decreased from 33 percent in 2010 to 28 percent in 2011. Recent data show that impact inspections and the pattern of violations program also are contributing to improvements in compliance.