The Department of Labor filed 49 discrimination complaints in 2014, the most in any year in MSHA history, and at least 45 actions for temporary reinstatement, the second highest number ever, exceeded only by 2012, when 47 were filed, assistant secretary Joe Main said.

“MSHA successfully reduced its backlog of contested citations and orders from a high of approximately 89,000 at the end of 2010 to approximately 27,500 cases four years later, or a reduction of more almost 70%,” he said.

“Stakeholders have been active participants in many of meetings with MSHA on issues of mutual concern, including a roundtable last October hosted by secretary Thomas Perez, where we discussed safety and health issues and ways the department can assist the metal and non-metal industry with training, recruiting and employment needs.

“While the increased deaths at metal and non-metal mines make clear the need to do more to protect miners, the actions described here and other collaborative efforts are helping make mines safer.”