“Stay Out–Stay Alive” is a national public awareness campaign designed to warn children and adults about the dangers of exploring and playing on active and abandoned mine sites.
Every year, dozens of people are injured or killed in recreational accidents on mine property. MSHA launched “Stay Out–Stay Alive” in 1999 to educate the public about the existing hazards. The campaign is a partnership of more than 70 federal and state agencies, private organizations, businesses and individuals.
SOME EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO DID NOT HEED THE WARNINGS:
1-2008: Nineteen-year old Arizona man died after falling into 35’ abandoned mineshaft.
2-2008: Twenty-year old man died when he came in contact with a high voltage transformer in a fenced-in area of an active mine in Pennsylvania.
5-2008: Three men in their twenties died from lack of oxygen when exploring an abandoned mine in California.
5-2008: Eighteen-year old boy drowned in off-limits, privately owned quarry. Gates were locked and signs warning trespassers were all around.
NEAR MISSES:
A twenty-three year old Pennsylvania man survived a 500’ fall into an abandoned strip mine. While trespassing, he fell into a 700’ deep, 3,000’ long, and 1,500’ wide mine; rescuers spent hours on a dangerous rescue. He faces charges of defiant trespass.
Two twenty-one year old men escaped serious injury in a car crash in Wisconsin. No seatbelts were used. This happened in a rock quarry near an active mine.
Throughout the year, “Stay Out–Stay Alive” partners visit schools, communities and youth organizations around the country to educate children about the importance of steering clear of abandoned mines.
These are not places to be explored. There are warning signs – take heed!
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