Fatality Investigations

Accident and Fatality Investigations

One of the most distressing responsibilities of the Minerals Program is the investigation of accidents and fatalities. The inspectors investigate all reported non-fatal accidents and all fatalities that occur on mining operations throughout Oklahoma. According to non-coal rule OAC 460:10-35-8, operators are required to notify the Department of all serious injuries or fatal accidents in a timely manner.

Each and every fatality is a tragedy; however, the lessons learned by the company and fellow mine employees are of great value. Once the fatality investigation of an accident has been conducted by a team of inspectors, a report is filed as to any preventative measures that could have been taken to prevent the unfortunate death. In addition, fliers sent from the Department concerning the unsafe practices and updated training at the Oklahoma Miner Training Institute help make the industry aware as to how to prevent similar accidents on their locations.

For information on national mining fatal reports, see the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration's website.