Mining Publication: Stone Operator Mining Facts - 2002

In 2002, a total of 4,311 stone mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The major industrial classifications in stone mining are dimension stone (used for construction purposes), crushed and broken stone (aggregates), cement, and lime. A total of 68,302 employees, corresponding to 69,865 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, were reported by stone operators to MSHA. This is a 3.1% decrease in the number of FTE employees from 2001. Nineteen work-related fatalities occurred in stone mines in 2002, compared to three in 2001. There were 2,462 nonfatal lost-time injuries among stone mine employees occurring at a rate of 3.5 injuries per 100 FTE employees. These injuries resulted in 100,490 days lost from work. There were 119 cases of occupational illness reported to MSHA for stone employees.