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Operating Mobile Equipment - Safety Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 1-866-487-9243 (1 866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

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Safety Alert

Operating Mobile Equipment

Since the beginning of calendar year 2025, mine operators have reported over 150 accidents from the operation of mobile equipment, including 13 of 20 fatal accidents. Accidents can be prevented by examiners and mobile equipment operators looking for hazards above, below, in front, behind, and beside mobile equipment.

For 2025, mine operators have reported over 150 accidents from the operation of mobile equipment, including 13 of 20 fatal accidents.

Best Practices
  • Perform adequate workplace and ground condition examinations on roadways, benches, unconsolidated ground, and dump sites. Correct hazardous conditions or relocate mobile equipment.
  • Perform adequate pre-operational examinations on mobile equipment. If safety defects are found, remove mobile equipment from service until the equipment is repaired
  • Follow safe operational practices and parking procedures. Park equipment on level ground. Lower booms and buckets to the ground, and chock mobile equipment wheels.
  • Always wear your seatbelt. Do not jump from moving equipment.
  • Train mobile equipment operators to be aware of and understand the warnings in the manufacturer’s manual and on mobile equipment decals.
  • Ensure the written safety program for surface mobile equipment is updated to address mining conditions or practices that may adversely affect the health and safety of miners or other persons.