Miner Severely Injured in Mine Blasting Accident

Case Overview

This case involves a man who was injured as a result of a work related accident in a mine located in the state of Indiana. At the time of the incident, there was extensive mine blasting being done while one of the mine workers was in close proximity of the area. As a result of the blasts, the worker suffered severe injuries, both physical and psychological, as a result of the incident. An expert witness is required to opine on the standard of care specific to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA, as well as hands on experience in mining and safety.

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 the 1970's.

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. I have worked on cases involving flyrock / blasting, and I am familiar with blasting site security and safety, and the hazards of flyrock.

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

I have worked on cases involving flyrock / blasting, and I am familiar with blasting site security and safety, and the hazards of flyrock.

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.