"Mine Safety Minutes" Text Transcripts
Abandoned Mines
Abandoned Mines
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Hello, I'm Dave Lauriski, head of MSHA.
That abandoned mine shaft may look quite interesting to hikers and explorers on a nice sunny day. The temptation to venture inside can be overwhelming. It looks like a lot of fun.
However, I have one piece of advice. DON'T DO IT!
Both children and adults should always stay away from abandoned mines and quarries. Those places can be deathtraps!
Each year dozens of children and adults are injured or killed in recreational accidents on mine properties across this country.
You should know that abandoned mines have many hidden hazards. Underground mines may have really deep vertical shafts and unstable rock formations. There can even be unused or misfired explosives.
Water-filled quarries can conceal rock ledges, barbed wire fences and old machinery beneath the surface of the water. You don't want to go diving or swimming into something like that.
Take my advice! Stay away from abandoned mines and abandoned mine property-for your own safety. Stay out! And stay alive!
