Labor Celebrates Zero Fatality Rate In Missouri Mines

Awards were presented to 12 of the 31 members of the Association for outstanding workplace safety, and all attendees were recognized collectively for the huge strides made in safety by the mining community, as no miners lost their lives in Missouri mines in 2010. The state of Missouri has previously averaged two mine related fatalities per year.

“With the mining tragedies that have taken place around the world over the past few years, the zero fatality rate is an incredible accomplishment for the state of Missouri. Not only does taking safety seriously pay off in protecting Missouri's $8 billion mining industry, it also ensures that the men and women miners make it home every day,” says Deputy Department Director Brian May, who represented the Department Director at the ceremony.

The 2011 State Annual Mine Safety Awards banquet was held on April 14th 2011, at the Best Western in Festus, Mo. Twelve awards were given to the companies that reported the most hours worked with no lost time accidents and to companies that had the most improved underground operations and surface mines. Trophies were also given to:

          PayneCrest Electric for Best Contractor
          Fred Weber-New Melle for Smallest Underground Mine
          U.S. Silica for Smallest Mill

More than 100 mining companies operate 180 active mines in the state of Missouri. Of those 100 companies, 31 are participants of Association. “We really encourage those who work in the mining industry to participate in this Association where members share best practices, stay up to speed on new training and rules and regulations, and are held accountable to ensure miners remain safe in the workplace,” says Les Thomas, Mine and Cave Program Manager of the Missouri Division of Labor Standards.

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