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Mining deaths drop in the U.S. in 2016

On Behalf of | Jan 20, 2017 | Firm News, Workplace Accidents

If you’ve ever worked in the mining industry, you know that it can be dangerous. Collapses, while uncommon, still cause serious injuries to those in mines, and they could even lose their lives if they can’t get help.

Fortunately, some new data has been released in 2017. It reports that the number of U.S. mining deaths dropped in 2016, bringing it to an all-time low. Preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s division of Mine Safety and Health Administration reports that 26 people were killed in work-related accidents in 2016, down from 29 in 2015.

Deaths in this industry aren’t just attributed to those that take place in the mines themselves. Some were a result of accidents with machinery. Both metal and nonmetal mines reported injuries and deaths. A total of 17 deaths were reported in Washington, Virginia, Utah, Iowa, North Carolina and other states. In North Carolina, only one death was reported. That death did not occur underground.

It’s good news that overall death rates are dropping in the mining industry. With new technology and better ways to stabilize the mines, it’s easier to make sure workers stay safe. Stringent safety standards help make sure work places, even those underground, are as safe as possible.

For those who did suffer injuries, workers’ compensation can help cover medical expenses and lost wages depending on how much time was missed from work. For those who lost a loved one in an accident, this same workers’ compensation can provide death benefits that can help you cover medical expenses and funeral costs for your loved one.

Source: Floyd County Times, “US mining deaths drop to another new low in 2016,” accessed Jan. 20, 2017

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