labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Due to concern about Washington worker safety, along with the safety of the public, the US Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration has developed a new campaign. Although many people may not realize how dangerous working and abandoned mines can be, over 200 people have died in mine-related accidents since 1999. Outdoor enthusiasts, workers from industries other than mining, and children sometimes wander on mine property and get hurt.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration, also known as MSHA, is trying to warn the public of the dangers. This is the ninth year that MSHA has joined forces with businesses, individuals, state agencies, and other federal agencies to try to warn the public. This year’s campaign is entitled “Stay Out–Stay Alive.” The goal is to educate the public on the dangers and to convince them that the best way to avoid injury on mine property is stay out.
 
Richard E. Stickler, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, explained, “There are about 500,000 abandoned mines and another 14,000 active operations throughout the United States. 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.’”

The dangers posed by these mines are very real. In 2006, 30 people died in accidents on the property of surface or underground mines. These accident victims varied in age from 17 to 51.
Sadly, children also wander onto mine property to play, not realizing the danger. Also, outdoor enthusiasts and workers from industries other than mining may wander onto mine property and get hurt.

To get the message out, the campaign will utilize public service announcements. In addition, health professionals along with mine safety personnel employed by the federal government will talk to young people at schools, organizations, and scouting meetings.

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