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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Publication: Falls Can Kill!
Keywords: Fall protection Fall protection devices Falls from heights
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated. Contact NIOSH Mining if you need an accessible version.
Original creation date: May 2017
Authors: MF Nasarwanji
Non-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - May 2017
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20050172
Coal Zoom 2017 May; :10712
An updated version of this infographic published by NIOSH is now available.
There are about five fall-related fatalities in the mining industry every year. Many mining companies have programs to prevent slips and falls. However, due to the large number of incidents, there is a need to take a closer look at what caused these fall fatalities. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed MSHA fatal reports to determine the causes and contributing factors that led to fatal falls in the mining industry. Most fatal falls occurred during maintenance and repair and during installation, construction, or dismantling operations. Miners affected were most often categorized as laborers, equipment operators, mechanics, and truck drivers. Nearly half the fatalities occurred due to falls from height. Failure of the walking/standing surface, falling though an opening, and unexpected movement of equipment or ground were the leading causes. Results of this study suggest that there are steps that mines and mine workers can take to prevent fatal falls. This infographic provides recommendations to help prevent these fatal falls.
For further information, please read Causes of Fall Fatalities at Surface Mines and Contributing Factors to Slip, Trip, and Fall Fatalities at Surface Coal and Metal/Nonmetal Mines.
Image of Falls Can Kill! infographicNon-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - May 2017
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20050172
Coal Zoom 2017 May; :10712
See Also
Analysis of Fall-Related Imminent Danger Orders in the Metal/Nonmetal Mining Sector
Contributing Factors to Slip, Trip, and Fall Fatalities at Surface Coal and Metal/Nonmetal Mines
Don't Slip Up!
Infographic: Fall Protection: As Easy as 1-2-3
Infographic: Fall Protection: As Simple as A-B-C
Infographic: Falls Can Kill!
Slip Potential for Commonly Used Inclined Grated Metal Walkways
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazard Identification, Investigation, and Remediation at Surface Mining Facilities
Steps to Ladder Safety
Understanding Why Workers Fall
Page last reviewed: December 23, 2020
Page last updated: December 23, 2020
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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