The details of two August 2024 impact inspections at mines in Arkansas and West Virginia are as follows:
3M Little Rock Industrial Mineral Products
Operated by 3M Company in Pulaski County, Arkansas, the surface granite mine was selected for an impact inspection after recent hazard complaints and its compliance history. During an Aug. 12, 2024, inspection, investigators identified 35 violations of mandatory safety and health standards, including 13 S&S violations and three unwarrantable failure findings. Specifically, inspectors found the following conditions existed:
- Two untrained miners were found working at the site, leading to the issuance of a Section 104(g)(1) withdrawal order for the miners until they complete the required training. This type of order is issued to eliminate the hazard untrained or inadequately trained miners pose to themselves and others.
- A miner was found working 13 feet above ground without proper fall protection, resulting in an imminent danger order. In 2023, MSHA issued a safety alert regarding the hazards of falls from height and the life-saving importance of fall protection, but MSHA investigators continue to observe miners without fall protection. In June 2022, a miner suffered fatal injuries at the 3M Little Rock Industrial Mineral Products mine after a fall. MSHA learned the contractor employing the miner did not ensure that the miner used required protection when fall hazards existed.
- Several unsafe conditions were discovered and three unwarrantable failure findings issued as follows:
- A walkway area in the basement floor was not kept clean, material had piled up in the walkways and water was standing in the floor of each working area in the basement. Despite this dangerous area being closed off to employees, management ordered work to be done and inspectors found contractors inside the area.
- An operating conveyor’s head pulley lacked guards to prevent employees from contacting moving machine parts.
- The area below the #2 elevator where miners worked was exposed to falling material. While this unsafe condition was reported to the operator 12 days before the impact inspection, MSHA inspectors found the operator allowed and directed miners to continue work in these areas.
- Numerous electrical hazards were identified throughout the mine. For example, inspectors found cover plates removed or missing, damage to electrical conductors, blocked clearance to switchgear and switches with no labels. MSHA continues to remind all mine operators that safety standards require frequent examination, tests and proper maintenance of electrical equipment, and removal of potentially dangerous electrical equipment from service until any unsafe condition is corrected.