News

IME Applauds 2015 Mining Safety Record

01/06/2016

According to MSHA, 2015 was the first time mine fatalities fell below 30.  IME was organized over 100 years ago to be the Safety and Security Institute of the commercial explosives industry and promotes safety through sharing best practices and safety standards.  IME member companies have long recognized that safety is paramount, a fact that is reflected through IME’s Safety Library Publications and member training programs.  IME is proud of its member companies’ safety records and is proud to share a focus on safety with MSHA.   

In a release announcing the news, Joseph A. Main, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health noted, “While coal mine closures had some effect on the historic low number of mining deaths, actions by MSHA and the mining industry to improve mine safety have been a major factor.”  Of the 28 fatalities, 11 occurred in underground mines and the remaining in metal/nonmetal mines. 

Main also noted that “things can change in a heartbeat if we let our guard down.”  IME agrees and looks forward to partnering with MSHA and our members companies so that every worker returns home after their shift throughout 2016 and into the future.  Safety is paramount.