Mine Safety Expert Discusses Negligent Blast Safety Protocols in Flyrock Accident

Case Overview

This case involves an individual who was seriously and permanently injured while participating in a blasting procedure at an open-pit copper mine Utah. At the time of the incident in question, the man was operating a large dump truck used to remove ore and rubble from the mine pit. Due to confusion over the timing of the scheduled blast, as well as allegedly improper blast area security protocols, the man was operating the truck in an area that was directly exposed to the effects of the blast. When the blast was set off, the truck was pelted with a large amount of flyrock. As a result of flyrock impact on the truck’s cabin, the man suffered a number of serious physical injuries as well as ongoing psychological damage.

Questions to the Occupational Health and Safety expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience with the US Mine Safety & Health Administration?

My experience with MSHA and Mine Safety spans 35+ years. I have worked with top MSHA administrators, technical experts, trainers and inspectors on safety and health issues and programs since 1979.

Please explain your experience working on similar cases?

I recently worked on a non-fatal injury incident case where the plaintiff suffered both physical and psychological injury. Our company analyzed the scene on-site, gathered the necessary facts, and prepared a report that was favorably received by the plaintiff's attorney. I have experience with two additional cases involving injuries in and around mines.

Do you have experience working with individuals who have suffered similar work related injuries?

While none of the cases I have worked on have involved flyrock/blasting, I am very familiar with blasting site security and safety, as well as the hazards of flyrock. Along with a colleague, I have published a refereed article on the subject of flyrock safety in a major academic journal focused on safety science.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has over 35 years of experience providing safety and health services to industry and government. He worked briefly as a utility miner in an underground coal mine and in residential construction before establishing his career as an educator, researcher, and consultant. He received his MPA and Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University. Hired by the Pennsylvania State University as a mine safety and health instructor, he serviced both coal and metal/nonmetal surface and underground mining companies and was promoted to Senior Lecturer and Director of the Miner Training Program. Dr. Radomsky has worked with NIOSH, MSHA, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, mining, construction, and milling companies to enhance safety and health efforts in several key safety management areas, including risk assessment, training programs, safety program development, accident investigation, and emergency preparedness and response. In addition, Dr. Radomsky has 10 years of resident instruction teaching experience at Penn State and has been active in safety consulting for over 30 years.