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The year 2009 was the safest year in history for mining in the US, according to “Montana Mining 2011.” It marks a century-long effort to improve mine safety and a steady decline in accident-related deaths in the industry.

There were 15 fatalities in metal and non-metal mines and 18 in coal mines –a dramatic difference than the beginning of the century when over 2500 miners being killed per year was considered normal. The turning point happened in1907 after the “deadliest month” in American mining history with over 700 fatalities across the nation. But “there is more work that can and should be done,” said the publication.

Despite the record year of 2009, the number of fatalities ticked up again in 2010, with 23 fatalities in metals and non-metals and 48 in coal mines.

Safety is a top priority of the industry with both management and workers striving for improvement. The concerted effort has made the difference.

Where as once mining was considered a very dangerous occupation, ‘today, most Americans would be surprised to learn that decades of diligent focus on safety has produced a coal metal and non-metal mining industry that is not even in the top ten ‘most dangerous’ occupations.”  Occupations with greater fatality risks include fishermen, loggers, airline pilots, farmers and ranchers, roofers, ironworkers, sanitation workers, industrial machinists, truckers and drivers/sales workers, and construction workers.