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Data Mining Mining Data: MSHA Enforcement Efforts, Underground Coal Mine Safety, and New Health Policy Implications

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  • Thomas J. Kniesner
  • John D. Leeth

Abstract

Using recently assembled data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) we shed new light on the regulatory approach to workplace safety. Because all underground coal mines are inspected quarterly, MSHA regulations will not be ineffective because of infrequent inspections. From over 200 different specifications of dynamic mine safety regressions we select the specification producing the largest MSHA impact. Even using results most favorable to the agency, MSHA is not currently cost effective. Almost 700,000 life years could be gained for typical miners if a quarter of MSHA's enforcement budget were reallocated to other programs (more heart disease screening or defibrillators at worksites).

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas J. Kniesner & John D. Leeth, 2004. "Data Mining Mining Data: MSHA Enforcement Efforts, Underground Coal Mine Safety, and New Health Policy Implications," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 29(2), pages 83-111, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jrisku:v:29:y:2004:i:2:p:83-111
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    Cited by:

    1. Wing, Coady & Marier, Allison, 2014. "Effects of occupational regulations on the cost of dental services: Evidence from dental insurance claims," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 131-143.
    2. Gautam Gowrisankaran & Charles He & Eric A. Lutz & Jefferey L. Burgess, 2015. "Productivity, Safety, and Regulation in Underground Coal Mining: Evidence from Disasters and Fatalities," NBER Working Papers 21129, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Thomas J. Kniesner & W. Kip Viscusi & Christopher Woock & James P. Ziliak, 2012. "The Value of a Statistical Life: Evidence from Panel Data," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 94(1), pages 74-87, February.
    4. Keefer, Quinn & Kniesner, Thomas J., 2019. "Running the Risk of an Injury in the NFL: Short-Run and Career Consequences," IZA Discussion Papers 12556, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    5. Michael Gmeiner & Robert Gmeiner, 2022. "Regulation Enforcement," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 43(2), pages 163-202, June.
    6. Patrick L. Yorio & Dana R. Willmer & Joel M. Haight, 2014. "Interpreting MSHA Citations Through the Lens of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: Investigating Their Impact on Mine Injuries and Illnesses 2003–2010," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(8), pages 1538-1553, August.
    7. W. Kip Viscusi & Robert J. Cramer, 2023. "How regulations undervalue occupational fatalities," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(1), pages 250-271, January.
    8. Quinn Keefer & Thomas J. Kniesner, 2022. "Performance and Pay in Professional Football," Foundations and Trends(R) in Microeconomics, now publishers, vol. 12(4), pages 269-343, June.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions

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