Safety & Health

The State of Nevada Mine Safety and Training Section holds various safety training classes throughout the year. To view the 2008 schedule, click here.
 
By any measure, the U.S. mining industry has made significant advances in protecting the health and safety of its skilled and highly trained workforce. This improvement, documented statistically from multiple independent sources, has been sustained, dramatic and long-term, and is the result of seven key trends:
  • A commitment by management, employees and regulators to a goal of zero fatalities and injuries;
  • Better equipment design;
  • Technological advances;
  • Improved engineering methods;
  • Advanced and continuous training;
  • Integration of safety management process systems;
  • Strong oversight and assistance from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration

As reflected in one company's motto – “Safety First: Production Will Follow” – the industry has made safety and health a core value. This value is integrated into all aspects of company operations from top to bottom, and evident in communications and procedures at the workplace. Recognizing that even one serious accident is too many, the mining industry is headed in a positive direction toward achieving the ultimate goal of zero fatalities and injuries in the 21st century.

 
Overall U.S. Mine Safety and Health, 1990-2003
Category
1990
1995
2000
2001
2002
2003*
No. of Mines
16,158
13,859
14,413
14,623
14,520
14,346
No. of Miners
404,315
361,647
348,548
347,228
329,114
319,241
Fatalities
112
100
85
72
69
56
Fatal Injury Rate
.0329
.0303
.0272
.0232
.0237
.0198
All Injury Rate
8.36
6.30
5.13
4.75
4.60
4.18
Source: Mine Safety and Health Administration. Includes stone, sand and gravel; *=preliminary
"When safety is a value, you strive for absolute perfection, set your goals at zero injuries and manage accordingly."

Alan C. McMillan, President, National Safety Council

BLS Estimates of Nonfatal Occupational Injury and Illness Rates by Industry Division, 2000-2001
According to the most recent National Safety Council data, minings 2001 occupational injury and illness rate of 4.0 cases per 100 full time workers in 2001 ranked it next to the lowest I.R. among major industries.
Industry
Total Cases
2000
2001
Manufacturing
9.0
8.1
Construction
8.3
7.9
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
7.1
7.3
Transportation & Public Utilities
6.9
6.9
Wholesale & Retail Trade
5.9
5.6
Services
4.9
4.6
MINING
4.7
4.0
Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate
1.9
1.8
Private Sector Average
6.1
5.7

Source: National Safety Council, “Injury Facts,” 2003 edition, page 61


Sending them home safe, everyday!

Nevada Mining Association