The Surface Mobile Equipment Safety Program Rule requires
ONGOING EVALUATIONS
Since January 19, 2024, the effective date of the Surface Mobile Equipment Safety Program Rule, MSHA estimates that the mining industry has experienced over 1,000 accidents associated with the movement and operation of surface mobile equipment (SME). This includes fatal accidents, permanently disabling accidents, accidents involving lost workdays and/or restricted duty, and accidents involving no lost workdays or restricted duty. For every reported accident, there are typically several unreported close calls. Proactive identification of hazards and consistent ongoing evaluation of equipment‑related risks reduces serious injuries and fatalities.
Best Practices
- Consistently evaluate and update the SME program at least annually or as conditions or practices change, as accidents or injuries occur, or as mobile equipment changes or modifications are made.
- Identify and report close calls before they become accidents. Understanding the root causes of past accidents is essential for preventing repeats.
- Review injury data and use it to improve training, supervision, and engineering controls.
- Identify currently available and newly emerging feasible technologies that can enhance safety at the mine and evaluate whether to adopt them.
- Solicit input from miners and their representatives in developing and updating the written safety program.