Access comprehensive materials covering key safety and health topics for mining operations. These resources are specifically designed to help new and existing mining operations identify, understand, and mitigate common hazards that pose significant risks to miners and mining operations.
Each section below provides detailed guidance, best practices, training materials, and links to additional resources to help you create a safer working environment. These materials have been developed based on MSHA's extensive experience investigating accidents and working with the mining industry to prevent future incidents.
Select any topic below to access detailed information and resources:
Visit the Pillar Collapse Initiative Resource Page
Preventative Roof/Rib Outreach Program (PROP)
Access PROP safety posters below:
Visit the Powered Haulage Initiative Resource Page
Access Mobile Equipment safety presentations below:
- Mobile Equipment - Collision Warning
- Mobile Equipment - Dump Point Safety 1
- Mobile Equipment - Dump Point Safety 2
- Mobile Equipment - Seat Belt Use
Examples of recent incidents include:
- Shaker screen disassembly.
- Bulldozers rolling down embankments.
- Locking ring dislodging from a truck wheel.
Since 2015, 18 metal and nonmetal miners have died in accidents involving machinery and non-haulage mobile or quarry equipment, and many more have been seriously injured or permanently disabled. Of those fatally injured, seven were supervisors and four were contractors.
- Eight miners died when struck by equipment they or a co-worker were operating.
- Five miners drowned when equipment ran into or overturned into water.
- Five miners died after being caught in crushers, drill steel, or between reciprocating machinery.
The equipment involved included dozers, excavators, drills, graders, dredges, and crushers.
Best Practices
Using best practices can eliminate these kinds of injuries and fatalities:
- Maintain equipment in safe operating condition. Inspect machinery before each use, and tag and remove from service equipment requiring repairs.
- Examine work areas prior to beginning tasks and operating heavy machinery.
- Operate on stable ground and away from hazards. Avoid traversing unstable ground above highwalls or near steep stockpiles.
- Maintain control of equipment at all times. Drive at speeds consistent with roadway conditions, visibility, and mine traffic.
- Always wear seatbelts. Remain inside the cab; never attempt to jump clear. Consider four-point seat belt systems and early-warning technology for tipping hazards.
- Stop and secure machinery. When mobile equipment is not in motion, park it in a manner that prevents unintended movement.
- Lock out and tag out equipment. Power off and secure machinery against hazardous motion before repairs or maintenance. Consider all energy hazards—electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic. Use individual locks and tags; miners should always maintain possession of their keys.
- Provide adequate protection from tire and rim hazards. Use tire cages and fully deflate tires before conducting repairs.
- Stay clear of water edges and soft ground. When operating excavators or similar equipment, position them as far from the water’s edge as feasible on firm, stable ground.
- Train miners thoroughly. Ensure workers understand safe operating procedures and the risks associated with each task.
By following these practices and maintaining constant situational awareness, mining operations can significantly reduce injuries and fatalities associated with heavy machinery.
Fall protection in mining prevents injuries and fatalities from falls in elevated areas, on equipment, and near hazards. It involves safe access design, guardrails, proper lighting, and using personal protective equipment like harnesses and lifelines. A strong fall protection program includes hazard assessments, MSHA compliance, worker training, proper equipment, and rescue plans to ensure a safer work environment.
Also refer to the Falls From Elevation Best Practice Guide.