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Top 10 Most Frequently Cited MSHA Standards 2024

Calendar Year 2024 (January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024) 

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has compiled a list of the top 10 most frequently cited standards during inspections at mine sites nationwide for calendar year 2024. This annual list serves as a critical tool for improving mine safety and health and will assist mine operators and contractors in identifying common areas of noncompliance. By publishing these frequently cited standards, mine operators can take proactive steps to correct hazardous conditions, strengthen compliance programs, and prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities from mining. MSHA encourages mining stakeholders to review these standards, evaluate current practices, and implement corrective actions to ensure a safe mining environment.
 

1
combustible materials


Accumulation of combustible materials
30 CFR 75.400
3,412 violations
2
crane lifting equipment


Moving machine parts
30 CFR 56.14107(a)
2,897 violations
3
conveyor moving materials


Housekeeping
30 CFR 56.20003(a)
2,640 violations
4
reports check list

Preparation and Submission of MSHA Form 7000-2 - Quarterly Employment and Coal Production Report
30 CFR 50.30(a)
2,568 violations
5
wires and electrical connectors


Electrical conductors
30 CFR 56.12004
2,507 violations
6
checklist of defects

Safety defects; examination, correction and records
30 CFR 56.14100(b)
2,339 violations
7
mine map


Mine ventilation plan; submission and approval
30 CFR 75.370(a)(1)
1,956 violations
8
circuit cover plate


Inspection and cover plates
30 CFR 56.12032
1,538 violations
9
horns and alarms


Horns and backup alarms
30 CFR 56.14132(a)
1,527 violations
10
miner shielded by protective barrier


Roof control plan
30 CFR 75.220(a)(1)
1,493 violations


Additional Information:

Explore the Data Visualization - To view and search the top 10 most frequently cited standards by commodity and mine type, click on the following webpage: Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards Dashboard.

To search for an MSHA standard, click on the following webpage: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) Title 30—Mineral Resources.

Data Source: Mine Data Retrieval System violations data set, updated as of July 2, 2025.

For the most recent version, visit Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for 2025.

For questions, please contact MSHA Data.

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