Mining Publication: Sand and Gravel Operator Mining Facts - 2006

Mining Operations: In 2006, a total of 7,178 sand and gravel mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Sand and gravel mines were the largest mining sector, comprising 48.2% of all mining operations. Sand and gravel mines were found throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Employees: A total of 46,069 employees, corresponding to 39,796 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, were reported by sand and gravel mine operators. Within the mining sectors, sand and gravel mine operator employees accounted for 12.0% of all employee hours reported to MSHA. Fatalities: Six work-related fatalities occurred among sand and gravel operator employees in 2006. This compared to nine fatalities in 2005. The sand and gravel mine operator fatality rate was 17.2 fatalities per 100,000 FTE employees. Nonfatal Lost-time Injuries: There were 795 nonfatal lost-time injuries among sand and gravel operator employees occurring at a rate of 2.3 injuries per 100 FTE employees. A total of 41,842 days lost from work resulted from these injuries. The most frequent classifications of nonfatal lost-time injuries for sand and gravel operator employees involved handling materials (n=263; 33.1%) and slip or fall of person (n=215; 27.0%). Sprains and strains were the most frequently reported nature of injury (n=300; 37.7%). The back was the most frequently reported body part injured (n=147; 18.5%) followed by fingers (n=106; 13.3%). Back injuries represented 6,761 days lost from work; finger injuries represented 5,339 days lost.