From Deseret News archives:
A matter of safety: Utah's coal mines repeatedly break rules
In fact, federal inspectors have cited underground coal mines here with more than 5,000 safety violations since 2004, and more than 1,800 of them were considered "significant and substantial" threats to health and life.
Utah mines are fined hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for violations, yet the same problems recur time and again. And at least seven times in the past three years, inspectors even temporarily evacuated some Utah mine sections because of serious, imminent threats they found.
Critics say fines are too small and the threats of long-term mine closures too remote to be much of a deterrence to unsafe practices. Some operators may think shortcuts can make mines more profitable as they compete with razor-thin profit margins against foreign mines that may lack the safety measures mandated here, observers say.
Utah's coal-mining accident rate had been lower, and its fatality rate was average, the newspaper's review shows.
Broken rules
Shortly after the initial Crandall Canyon collapse on Aug. 6, MSHA issued a statement noting, "All mining methods can be dangerous if applicable laws, regulations and approved plans are not followed." MSHA spokeswoman Amy Louviere added Thursday, "Most mining accidents and injuries are a direct result of a mine operator's failure to comply with mine safety and health regulations."
Despite that, rules often are not followed in Utah mines, according to federal mine inspectors. They cited at least 5,095 violations in the 13 currently operational underground coal mines inspected in Utah since 2004.
Of those, 1,843 violations, or 36 percent, were deemed "significant and substantial." MSHA says such "S&S" violations "could reasonably be expected to lead to a serious injury or illness." It also adds that MSHA takes each violation "seriously, regardless of whether or not it is an S&S violation."
Half of all the "significant and substantial" violations in Utah were for excess "accumulation of combustible materials," especially coal dust that could lead to fires or explosions.
Recent comments
Sutton Hoo is correct that one can not judge a mine's safety record,...
T. Williams | Aug. 21, 2007 at 12:15 p.m.
I don't see any fine for unsafe mining. i.e. mining out support...
Paul Shaffer | Aug. 20, 2007 at 1:58 p.m.
This is a very well researched report of mining oversight in Utah....
Interloper | Aug. 19, 2007 at 6:52 p.m.
- Ogden food bank gets big donation 3:29 p.m.
- Eureka mines could reopen 3:12 p.m.
- Obama to meet with Senate Dems 3:06 p.m.
- Stock rise to new 2009 highs 2:59 p.m.
- Helicopter search for climbers 2:57 p.m.
- Afghan troop surge will take longer 2:56 p.m.
- Dems against Dems in health care 2:55 p.m.
- Missing White House e-mails found 2:53 p.m.
- Shurtleff to meet Obama Tuesday 2:33 p.m.
- EPA proposes settlement in Utah case 2:21 p.m.
- Wet spot found in Powell's home
- Y. opponent nearly smelled roses
- D-Will treats military families to party
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
- MWC looks better in basketball
- Maynor amazed by L.A. fans
- Pace happy not to be noticed
- High school football: All-region teams
- Jazz Extra: Starting 5
- Fun, easy gifts for the neighbors
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
178 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
151 - Gay-friendly curriculum phased out
139 - LDS to emphasize helping needy
123 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110 - Unga might enter NFL draft
106 - BYU to wear royal blue uniforms
99 - Disappearance called 'suspicious'
95 - TV mom gives birth to 19th child
95 - Choir, guests unwrap musical magic
82
David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...
There was a time when free shipping was rare. This holiday season, you...
Can you tell I just got out of a budget meeting with Gov Gary Herbert?
With the way Boozer has been playing as of late. His trade value has gone way...
Why should the government be asked to solve a problem that people can solve...
Iam sure he as 2 million to post bail after being in jail for the pass 10...
This is WONDERFUL !!! They should use the hot water for thermal energy.
First time I have been embarrassed for this nation.
have turned the corner which I believe but at the same time am still...
This mine had all the right components to be a very successful mine 10 years...
Please check your facts. The Jazz had a stretch of seven consecutive seasons...
For those who believe Korver is going to make a difference, nice thinking....



