| U.S. Department of
Labor |
Mine Safety and Health Administration 1100 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939 |
 |
| EFFECTIVE DATE: April 17, 2012 | EXPIRATION DATE: 03/31/2014 (Reissue of I10-V-10) |
PROCEDURE INSTRUCTION LETTER NO. I12-V-04 and I12-IV-05
FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN 
Administrator for
Coal Mine Safety and Health
NEAL H. MERRIFIELD
Administrator for
Metal/Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
SUBJECT: Revision of Accident Investigation Procedures
Scope
This Procedure Instruction Letter (PIL) applies to Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) District Managers and to MSHA personnel who are assigned accident investigation duties and/or responsibilities at mine sites following a fatality.
Purpose
This PIL provides guidance for MSHA District Managers and for MSHA personnel when performing duties as part of a fatal accident investigation. This revision augments instructions currently found in the Accident/Illness Investigation Procedures Handbook, No. PH11-I-1.
Procedure Instructions
MSHA's fatal accident investigation policy has been revised, to include:
- Requiring investigators to arrange an opportunity for family members of the victim to provide information relevant to the cause or contributing factors of the event directly to the investigation team.
- Providing a public notice of the accident investigation team contact information and an opportunity for the following individuals or groups to provide information to the accident investigation team:
- employees of the mine;
- employees of the mining company(s);
- employees of independent contractors with any connection to the mine;
- persons with any connection to the mine;
- any person with information regarding the cause or contributing factors of the event.
Background
The Accident/Illness Investigation Procedures Handbook No. PH00-I-5 includes instructions for both Coal and Metal and Nonmetal personnel in selecting accident investigation team members, conducting investigations, and preparing the Agency's reports of the investigations. These procedures are being revised to ensure fatal accident investigations conducted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration are thorough, giving consideration to all available information from all sources, to determine the cause and contributing factors of the fatal accident.
Authority
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.; 30 C.F.R. Part 50.
Internet Availability
This PIL may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home page at www.msha.gov then choosing "Compliance Info" and then "Procedure Instruction Letters.
Issuing Office and Contact Persons
Coal Mine Safety and Health
Coal Accident Investigations Program
Terry Bentley, 202-693-9521
bentley.terry@dol.gov
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
MNM Accident Investigations Program
Michael Hancher, 202-693-9600
hancher.michael@dol.gov
Distribution
Coal Mine and MNM Safety & Health Enforcement Personnel
