MSHA warns miners of hazards due to cold weather

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has kicked off its 2007 Winter Alert campaign, which warns miners and mine operators about hazards due to colder weather that can lead to injuries and fatalities in both underground and surface mines.

MSHA's statistics show that most explosions in coal mines occur during winter months.

Richard E. Stickler, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, said: "Winter weather creates certain safety hazards that can affect working conditions at U.S. mines; therefore, it is imperative that hazards are identified and minimized or removed to ensure a safe workplace for all miners. Miners and mine operators must be vigilant to safety principles during wintertime when the weather increases the risk of fatal accidents."

“Winter weather creates certain safety hazards that can affect working conditions at U.S. mines; therefore, it is imperative that hazards are identified and minimized or removed to ensure a safe workplace for all miners. Miners and mine operators must be vigilant to safety principles during wintertime when the weather increases the risk of fatal accidents.

Richard E. Stickler, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health

This year's theme of "Don't leave safety out in the cold" reminds miners and mine operators of the risks, such as icy mine access roads and slippery walkways, among other hazards that occur due to the onset of colder weather.

Coal mine explosions increase during the winter months when low barometric pressure, low humidity and seasonal drying cause methane to migrate more easily into the mine atmosphere. Other seasonal hazards include limited visibility, icy haul roads, and the freezing and thawing process on highwalls.