Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration  today announced a proposed rule requiring mine operators that employ six or more miners to develop a written safety program for mobile equipment and powered haulage equipment (except belt conveyors) used at surface mines and surface areas of underground mines.  Under this proposal, mines would have flexibility to develop and implement a written safety program that works best for their mining conditions and operations.  The written safety program would include actions that mine operators would take to identify hazards and risks to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment.

The proposed rule, which can be viewed on September 8, 2021, at the Office of the Federal Register's Public Inspection Desk, will be published in Federal Register on September 9, 2021.  Public comments are solicited until the comment period closes on November 8, 2021.

Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.