Mobile and powered haulage equipment continue to be major sources of accidents and fatalities throughout the mining industry. 

For that reason, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has proposed a new rule to require mine operators employing six or more miners to develop a written safety program for that type of equipment (excluding belt conveyors) at surface mines and surface areas of underground mines.  The proposed rule is one of several actions that MSHA has taken to reduce fatal and nonfatal injuries involving surface mobile equipment used at mines in order to improve safety and health.

WHAT THE PROPOSED RULE INVOLVES 

Under the proposed rule, mine operators would implement a written safety program including actions to identify hazards and risks to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment. 

Mine operators would have the flexibility to devise a safety program for their specific mining conditions and operations. 

In addition, MSHA would encourage its state grantees to provide training to address these types of hazards and risks in small mining operations.  To read MSHA’s proposed rule, go here.

All comments must be submitted by November 8, 2021.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

• MSHA’s Proposed Rule on Mobile & Powered Haulage – click here.
• CORESafety Best Practices PDF – go here.
• CORESafety TV – Powered Haulage Episode – click here.
• CORESafety Module #4 – Fatality Prevention & Risk Management – go here.
• CORESafety Module #5 – Training & Competence – click here.
• CORESafety Module #12 – Work Procedures & Permits – find it here.
• CORESafety Website – go here.