Despite previous statements indicating increased enforcement at metal and non-metal mines as a result of a spike in fatalities this year, MSHA chief Joe Main issued a new letter to stakeholders on August 5, 2015 after three miners died on a single day this week.  Assistant Secretary Main remarked that “[n]ot since 2002 have three miners died at metal and nonmetal mines in a single day.”  He continued, “To reverse this unacceptable trend, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is stepping up enforcement efforts and intensifying outreach and education throughout the country.”

Apparently, MSHA really means it this time:

Beginning  August 10, MSHA will begin beefing up inspections with a focus on violations commonly associated with mining deaths, and its inspectors will emphasize “walk and talks” with miners and operators to disseminate information on mining deaths and best practices to prevent them.  MSHA coal inspectors, along with training and educational field personnel, will be engaged in the initiative.

MSHA will likely focus on its revised guidance for conducting workplace examinations, as we recently mentioned, as a part of its increased enforcement measures.