What about the outcome? Are miners safer? The five-year average for metal/non-metal fatalities is 12.6 by mid-July. This year, that number is down to 11. This begs the question: are increased fines improving safety? Stickler has said that he believes the stick is an effective tool to improve safe mining practices. I, on the other hand, believe the industry’s long-term focus on safety is responsible. More importantly, what do YOU think? Send me an e-mail and let me know.