Mining Publication: Causes of Fall Fatalities at Surface Mines

Surface mines can be hazardous places to work, with approximately 5,800 nonfatal injuries a year (MSHA, 2006-2015). Slips and falls are a major contributor to these non-fatal injuries, second only to material handling injuries. Slips and falls account for approximately 26 percent of nonfatal injuries, leading to approximately 64,000 lost work days a year (MSHA, 2006-2015). Adequate attention has not been placed on slips and falls and they continue to be a significant cause of mining fatalities. In fact, 55 (11 percent) of the 487 fatal incidents reported by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) between 2006 and 2015 were due to slips and falls at surface mines (MSHA, 2006-2015). Most mines have programs to prevent slips and falls. However, due to the high prevalence of slip and fall injuries and fatalities, there is a need to take a closer look at what causes fatal slip and fall incidents. A better understanding of these incidents can help companies prevent future fatalities. To that end, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a review of slip and fall fatalities to better understand their causes.