Fatalities in U.S. fall to new low

Mining fatalities in the U.S. in 1994 fell to a record low of 84, with 44 fatalities in coal mining and 40 deaths in metal/non-metal mining, according to preliminary Mine Safety and Health Administration data.

The previous record low, says the National Mining Association (NMA), was 98 in 1992.

Several reasons are given by NMA for the decrease in the number of fatalities and injuries in the mining industry: technological advances, improved engineering methods and conscientious safety awareness by mine operators and equipment manufacturers.

Remote mining machines, efficient longwall operations and improved mining techniques have resulted in a working environment where fewer miners are placed at risk; at the same time, productivity has been improving.