Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government.

MNM Safety Alert - April is one of the Deadliest Months

Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 1-866-487-9243 (1 866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

April is one of the Deadliest Months in the Metal and Nonmetal Mining Industry

The beginning of spring in the metal and nonmetal mining industry signals the startup of mines that were idled during the winter months. Often when these operations
recommence, they begin with new employees who are new to the mining environment.

The new workforce, along with miners performing unfamiliar tasks, has resulted in the month of April being the second deadliest month in the MNM mining industry with a total
of 50 fatals since 2000.

THINK, PLAN, TRAIN…BEFORE YOU BEGIN WORK!

  •  Establish safe work procedures
  •  Follow manufacturers’ recommendations
  •  Secure, block and/or chock equipment against movement
  •  Discuss all hazards and correct them before starting work
  •  Alert employees to the hazards
  •  Keep training up to date
  •  Task train employees

Task Analysis and Work Place Examinations

  • Conduct a workplace examination of the area before youstart to work
  • Analyze the job before beginning work
  • Hazards associated with the job should be properlycommunicated, before starting work

  • Make sure appropriate tools are available for the job/use them