New NMA president and chief executive Hal Quinn responded to newly released data by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration that reflected the nation’s lowest-ever record of fatalities with 51 across coal and metal/nonmetal operations.

“By achieving our safest year on record in 2008, US mining is demonstrating that significant improvements in workplace health and safety can be realised through the use of advanced technology, enhanced safety training and awareness, sound laws and regulations and sophisticated risk analysis,” he said.

“It takes a commitment by all members of the mining community – operators, miners and regulators – to use all these tools to make good on our shared commitment to achieve zero fatalities and injuries in America’s mines.”

Quinn noted another factor that has aided in that progress – more than $US500 million in investment into the mining industry over the last three years for safety and training technology.

“Mines are promoting mine safety and health as a core value – instilling the values of safety leadership, accountability and personal involvement in every employee and providing them with the training and tools to prevent fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses. As a result, half of the nation’s mines operate each year without a single lost-time injury,” he said.

The industry is now on an upward trend and is “back on track” to showing improvements in safety year-over-year that initially began during the 1990s, and is stronger than ever with record employment and production, according to Quinn.

“The 51 people who lost their lives at US mines in 2008 are a great loss to all of us,” he said.

“Their loss also means we are short of the only goal that counts – zero fatalities.”