First Week of the New Year Sees Two Mining Incidents

Two serious mining incidents have occurred in the first week of the New Year. The first mining fatality of the year was recorded on Monday when a miner was found dead at the Lower War Eagle Mine near Cyclone, West Virginia, in Wyoming County. The fatality occurred when the miner came into contact with a belt roller in the mine according to various reports. The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) along with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training are investigating into the cause of the incident.

In a separate incident, one miner was hospitalized after an incident at a Murray Energy mine. The incident occurred after midnight at the Harrison County Mine near the Margaret Portal in Marion County, West Virginia. The Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training are investigating this incident.

Industries are required to follow federal and state regulations in order to keep employees safe. In some instances, these regulations are ignored and people get hurt. If employers are in violation of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) or Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations, an individual may be able to pursue a claim against his or her employer.

Even though coal mining is considered a risky occupation, coal miners are entitled to a safe working environment. It is imperative that regulations are followed and qualified individuals are sent into the mines.