Accidents seem to occur more in warmer weather months throughout the US, which is why the program typically takes place in the spring. “It’s a good reminder to watch out for these places as they [the public] gear up for the summer.”
According to the agency’s statistics, almost 200 people have been killed in recreational accidents since 1999 at both surface and underground operations, abandoned and active, throughout the US. MSHA acting deputy assistant secretary Bob Friend said the dangers are not always obvious to the layman’s eye.
“There are tens of thousands of abandoned mines and quarries scattered across the country. Many of them are hidden.
“These sites can be an irresistible draw to people who like to hike, camp, swim and ride their four-wheel bikes – but they can also be deadly. That’s why we urge recreationalists of all ages to stay out and stay alive.”
Louviere said that the number of fatalities dropped between 2004 and 2005, and that continuing to get the word out to the public is key. “We can only hope our extensive public awareness efforts are helping to get the word out that abandoned mines are not playgrounds,” she said.
The agency said the most common fatality seen is drowning at quarries and gravel pits, and during the summer months all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents also increase.
“People like to go four-wheeling at old surface mines, and oftentimes they are unfamiliar with the terrain. There are steep hills of loose materials that can easily collapse, and it’s hard to control an ATV on the rugged terrain,” she said, adding that most ATV incidents are caused by the vehicle rolling over onto the driver or ejecting the person from the machine.
Louviere noted that one US state, Pennsylvania, had exceeded the expectation of the program in terms of making people aware of the dangers of playing at mines.
“I think the state of Pennsylvania has gone above and beyond in their public outreach. They are probably one of our most active partners,” she said, adding that the state’s Department of Environmental Protection had been active in keeping trespassers away from abandoned operations.
The Stay Out-Stay Alive program has also garnered the involvement of more than 80 government and state outlets, private and public organisations and individuals as active partners. Some of these companies include the National Mining Association, the Virginia Mining Association, United Mine Workers of America, the United States Mine Rescue Association, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the US Office of Surface Mining.
One of the most vital activities of the Stay Out-Stay Alive committee during the month-long awareness campaign is visiting schools, children’s groups and other places to speak on the importance of staying away from the dangers mine properties can pose.
“Education can be an effective tool in building public awareness and broadcasting our message to kids and, in turn, to their parents,” MSHA acting administrator David Dye said.
