Resources
With explosions, cave-ins, flash floods, toxic chemicals, and poor air quality, mine shafts are notoriously one of the most hazardous workplaces. Over the years, legislation has dramatically impacted mine safety and health – since 1983 the fatality rate has dropped by over 70%.
Even with advancements, mines are still extremely dangerous, and thousands of minors are still injured every year. In the United States, the mining industry is not under the oversight of OSHA, but rather the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Like its counterpart, MSHA provides educational resources and compliance assistance, develops and regulates industry standards, and conducts inspections annually.
A mine safety program has the same core elements as any other workplace safety program:
- Hazard Identification: Identifying workplace hazards is absolutely critical in mining. From confined spaces and structural hazards to excessive noise exposure, mines are riddled with hazards. Mine operators will need to thoroughly assess their workplace and implement the proper hazard controls.
- PPE: Whether or not other hazard controls are implemented, workers will need to be protected from head-to-toe before entering the mine: hard hats, eye protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection, foot protection, etc.
- Training: Federal law requires anyone engaged in mining operations to receive both basic and annual training. Additionally, mine operators are required to develop and maintain an effective training plan.
At Creative Safety Supply, we are dedicated to helping companies tackle any safety project, even in a mine shaft! Explore our mine resources – expert articles, blogs, podcast episodes, etc. – below.
Getting Started
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Mining Safety Articles
![Mine Safety & Health [Expert Advice]](https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/content/images/articles/mining-safety-th.jpg)
Mine Safety & Health [Expert Advice]
Miners face many hazards that put their safety at risk. By adhering to MSHA standards and providing training and appropriate equipment, employers can enhance mining safety. …
What is a thermal printer? (direct transfer)
Thermal printers are essential to printing in an industrial setting. Learn about the two types of thermal printing to determine which one suits your facility’s needs. …
Mining Safety Questions and Answers
What does MSHA stand for?
MSHA stands for Mine Safety and Health Administration. It is a governmental agency of the US Department of Labor. MSHA is responsible for administering provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. They also enforce compliance of the various laws and regulations that are written for mining companies and those that work… …
What is MSHA?
The Mine Safety and Health Administration is the current governing body overseeing the safety of mines in the country and like OSHA, is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. At the core of MSHA is the enforcement of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (also known as the Mine… …
How are mine inspections handled?
The Mining Safety and Health Administration carries out annual inspections for health and safety compliance. Underground mines are inspected four times a year while surface mines have two annual inspections. Mines with higher levels of explosive or toxic gases will likely face more inspections and MSHA also conducts inspections as a response to any complaints… …
What are labels and signs I can use in a mine?
There’s no doubt that mining today is a much safer job than it was 50 years ago. The mining industry however, still has one of the highest injury and fatality rates when compared to other industries. Extra safety efforts are often made to ensure miners are kept safe while on the job. One of these… …
What are risks associated with mining?
Mines can often present much more dangerous hazards than your regular industrial facility. The following is a list of just some of the danger’s miners can face. This list is by no means complete, but rather compiled to highlight the most common hazards found in a mine. → Explosions: The threat of a potential explosion usually… …
What PPE is commonly used for mining?
Although PPE is considered the last line of defense for workers, it can be the difference between a minor injury and a life-altering injury for miners. The dangers of mining pose serious health hazards and an accident can cause loss of limbs or even death. Like any other workplace, employers and managers will need to… …
What does mining safety encompass?
There are three different kinds of mining: surface, underground, and mill/plants. Although each come with their own risks and hazards, underground is arguably the most dangerous. Mining accidents happen every day worldwide and thousands are killed every year. Miners face many hazards in their workplace like deafening sounds, explosions, rock falls, and dust exposure. Fires… …
Mining Safety Podcasts
Whole-body vibration is dangerous for workers, but OSHA has no standard on vibration limitation. Hear what safety managers can do… …
The Halo Light makes sure workers are visible at night. It's not just for highway crews. The light is great… …
OSHA standards vary state to state. For the first time, a database accurately compares state and federal OSHA laws and… …
Diesel exhaust continues to pollute workplaces and kill workers. New research says exposure damages nerves in the lungs. Hear how… …
Chemicals that cause hearing loss are called OTOTOXIC substances. Hear how to protect workers from these common industrial chemicals. Loud sounds… …
Airless tires are finally coming to jobsites, where tire punctures are notorious. Now, Michelin is making some available for heavy… …
Mining companies and miners must always be involved with mine safety. The past few generations of miners have had many… …