New MSHA Online Tool Tracks Mine Violations

Feb. 28, 2008
A new addition to MSHA’s online data retrieval system enables mine safety stakeholders to access data about repeat violations and violations per inspection day at mines across the nation.

MSHA’s data retrieval system allows users to examine data on inspections, violations, accidents, inspector samples, operator samples, quartz results and health samples at specific mines throughout the United States. Users can search by the mine name or ID, contractor name or ID, current controller or “high dollar” citations. The system is based on the history of each mine and also includes operator-specific information.

The new VPID tracking tool, which MSHA added to help improve compliance and safety within mines, provides additional information on the frequency of mine violations and creates a more detailed picture of a mine’s violation history. The system tracks violations per inspection day, the mine’s history of previous violations and repeat violations per inspection day.

According to MSHA, the tool allows mine operators to gauge safety performances and initiate improvements.

"MSHA's Web site serves as a unique tool for retrieving information about a mine's safety and health performance," said MSHA Administrator Richard Stickler. "We are hopeful that operators will use this feature to identify compliance problems and to take positive steps to address those problems. Doing so should help improve compliance with federal standards and ultimately improve mine safety and health."

For more information, visit http://www.msha.gov/drs/drshome.htm.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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