For the ninth time since 1996, Kentucky led the nation in mining deaths.
Over the last decade, Kentucky has become one of the most dangerous places to work in the mines. After a record low two fatalities in 2007, Kentucky followed up by once again leading the nation in mining deaths. It's the ninth time since 1996 that the state has been either tied for most deaths or held the dubious spot on its own.
Nine mining fatalities were reported in the Bluegrass State last year, more than any other state in the nation. West Virginia followed with eight deaths. The rise in Kentucky mining deaths occurred even as United States mining deaths fell last year to 51 as compared to 2007 when 67 were killed in the industry.
The report on mining deaths was released last week by the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration.
“Although these numbers demonstrate continuing improvements at our nation’s mines, they also represent significant loss to the families and friends of 51 miners,” Richard E. Stickler, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, stated in a Jan. 9 release on MSHA's Web site.
Kentucky and West Virginia combined for 16 of the 22 coal mining deaths in 2008. Kentucky also recorded one of the 22 fatalities in other types of mines, such as copper and stone. In 2007, the nationwide number of fatalities at coal and other types of mines were higher at 33 and 34, respectively.
Two of the 2008 coal mining fatalities in Kentucky were in District 10, which oversees about 30 operational mines in western Kentucky. Both occurred at the Warrior Coal LLC preperation plant in Hopkins County. The deaths were recorded on March 9 and Dec. 11. Since 1999, only nine have died as a result of mishaps at western Kentucky mines.
But mining deaths continue to plague both Kentucky and West Virginia. In 2006, Kentucky had 17 fatalities, second only to the Mountaineer State's 23. Since 1996, according to MSHA data, the two states have combined for more than a quarter of the nation's 931 mining deaths. West Virginia recorded 128, Kentucky 125. Last month, Len Peters, Kentucky's Energy and Environment Secretary said the state would not be able to afford the number of inspectors it would take to implement a plan to inspect mines six times a year.
Coal was first discovered in what is now Kentucky in 1701. Thousands have died in Kentucky mines since that time, but mining deaths have been recorded by MSHA only since the early 20th century. Kentucky has averaged nine mining deaths annually since 1996.
Mickey Travis was the last known Crittenden Countian to die in a mining accident. He was killed Aug. 19, 2002, at a Warrior Coal mine in Hopkins County.
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