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Alabama Worker Safety 2

March 27th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

With warmer weather here, The US Dept. of Labors Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, warns everyone to “Stay Out — Stay Alive.” That’s the name of a new public safety campaign designed to worn workers and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers of trespassing on mine property.

Abandoned and active mines post a threat to Alabama worker safety. More than 200 people have died since 1999 in mine-related accidents. Many of those tragic accidents involved recreational users and children. In some cases, children trespass to play on abandoned mine property. In others, workers in unrelated industries may fall into mind shafts or have accidents on mine property.

“There are about 500,000 abandoned mines and another 14,000 active operations throughout the United States,” said Richard E. Stickler, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health. “Many of them contain hidden hazards and, for those not trained to work in mines, the outcome can be deadly. That’s why we urge workers, hikers, bikers, rock hounds and swimmers to “Stay Out — Stay Alive.”

In 2006, at least 30 people ranging in age from 17 to 51 were fatally injured in surface and underground mine operations. Dozens of federal and state agencies, private organizations, businesses and individuals are active partners in “Stay Out–Stay Alive,” which is in its ninth year.

The program includes public service announcements designed to warn people from accidentally trespassing on mine property, at work or play. As part of the program, federal mine safety and health professionals will visit schools, scouting groups and other organizations to talk to young people about the dangers of playing on mine property.

Underground abandoned mines pose a number of hazards to the inattentive worker or casual explorer, including hidden shafts that drop hundreds of feet down. The shafts are often covered by decayed and rotten boards that can give way under the slightest weight. Tunnels are prone to cave in and may contain deadly gases, flooded sections, and poisonous snakes and insects.