MSHA Frequently Asked Questions

A “hazardous condition complaint” is any communication from a miner, representative of miners, or other person describing an alleged imminent danger, a violation of a mandatory safety or health standard, or a violation of the Mine Act at a mine. Hazardous conditions may be reported anonymously by calling 1-800-746-1553, staffed 24-hours a day, or online through MSHA’s Hazardous Condition Complaint system. En español: Reportar una condición peligrosa en una mina.

If you have any questions or additional concerns, you may also direct them to AskMSHA@dol.gov.

Miners, their representatives, and members of the public may call the MSHA emergency line at 1-800-746-1553 to report a hazardous condition at a mine, an impoundment, or an abandoned mine. Please provide as much information as possible, including the name of the mine and the mine operator, and its location. A hazardous condition may also be reported online. 

You can contact your MSHA district office or call 1-800-746-1553 to report your situation.

You are protected from retaliation for identifying hazards, asking for inspections, or refusing to engage in unsafe acts.

Section 105(c) of the Mine Act prohibits persons from discriminating against miners, applicants for employment and representatives of miners for exercising statutory rights especially concerning safety or health activities, such as identifying hazards, asking for MSHA inspections, or refusing to engage in unsafe acts.

I worked as a miner about eight years ago and am thinking about going back to the mines. Am I still considered an “experienced miner?”

Under 30 CFR Part 48 subpart A, an individual who receives 40 hours of training[JM1]  and works for 12 months as an underground miner is considered an "experienced miner." 

Under 30 CFR Part 48 subpart B, an individual who received 25 hours of training and works for 12 months as a surface miner is considered an “experienced miner.”

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA rules require that any experienced miner who has been away from mining for more than five years receive 8 hours of "experienced miner" training before returning to the mine.

If you do not have the 12 months of mining experience, you will need to receive 40 hours of "new miner" training. Some states have additional training requirements for miners. You may want to contact the appropriate agency in your state regarding specific requirements. 

The MSHA web site has a listing of state agency contacts.

Under 30 CFR Part 48 subpart A, an individual who receives 40 hours of training[JM1]  and works for 12 months as an underground miner is considered an "experienced miner." 

Under 30 CFR Part 48 subpart B, an individual who received 25 hours of training and works for 12 months as a surface miner is considered an “experienced miner.”

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA rules require that any experienced miner who has been away from mining for more than five years receive 8 hours of "experienced miner" training before returning to the mine.

If you do not have the 12 months of mining experience, you will need to receive 40 hours of "new miner" training. Some states have additional training requirements for miners. You may want to contact the appropriate agency in your state regarding specific requirements. 

The MSHA web site has a listing of state agency contacts.

You can find information about specific mines in the Mine Data Retrieval System (MDRS). The MDRS includes data on:

1. Type of mine 
2. Mine status
3. Mineral mined 
4. MSHA inspections 
5. Accidents 
6. MSHA violations

If you don't know your MSHA Contractor ID, refer to your MSHA Annual Summary report provided by MSHA, contact your local MSHA office, or you can use the field to search for your contractor name. 

If you have questions about using the tool, please email MSHA Data Group

You can receive your MIIN by contacting MSHA Educational Policy and Development (EPD) by calling 303-231-5472 or the toll free number at 1-800-579-2647. You can email EPD at zzMSHAEPDQC@dol.gov or look up your number on the eGov website. 

If your address has changed since you first received your instructor certification, please include both the previous address and your current mailing address. Once your request is processed, you will receive your new card in 10-14 business days.  

The Department of Labor uses The Work Number® automated service to handle employment verifications within a matter of minutes. The Work Number® is a quick, accurate, and secure way to verify DOL employees’ verification for things like mortgage applications, reference checks, loan applications, apartment leases, and anything that requires proof of employment. 

To obtain Proof of Employment for an MSHA employee, visit The Work Number Verifier website using DOL’s Employer Code: 10915. You may also contact the service directly via phone at: 1-800-367-5690.

Please note that if you are requesting information on behalf of a current or former DOL employee, you will need to contact the individual you are seeking verification for to obtain any additional personal information you will need to use THE WORK NUMBER® service.