The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has implemented an enhanced enforcement program after recent data indicates that accidents involving customer and contract truck drivers, and managers and supervisors performing mining tasks represent a significant number of recent fatalities.
“The initiative focuses on specific standards, and any citations issued for these violations may be considered for a special assessed proposed civil penalty,” said MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson.
“MSHA’s district offices will identify mines that can benefit from compliance assistance from our Educational Field and Small Mine Services staff in implementing this program.”
The program will become a part of regular inspections (two per year for surface mines and four per year for underground).
1. Customer and Contract Truck Drivers
a) Task Training
Mine operators must assure that miners have the skills necessary to perform tasks in a safe manner. This is particularly true for customer or contract truck drivers. Truck drivers must be trained in the tasks necessary to perform their jobs at the mine. MSHA inspectors will focus on the following standards.
- Control of Equipment: 56.9101, 57.9101, 77.1607(a) and (b).
- Use of Seat Belts: 56.14131, 57.14131.
- Chocking of Wheels: 56.1402, 57.1402, 77.1607(n).
- Pre-operational Inspection: 56.14100(a), 57.14100(a), 77.1606(a).
- Maintaining Brakes in Functional Condition: 56.14101(a)(3), 57.14101(a)(3), 77.1605(b).
b) Hazard training (provided by the mine operator)
Mine operators must provide appropriate hazard training to customer and contract truck drivers, as required under 30 CFR 46.11 (sand, gravel, stone or limestone surface mines), 48.11 (underground mines), and 48.31 (surface mines and surface areas of underground mines).
2. Managers and Supervisors who Perform Mining Tasks
Managers and supervisors who perform mining tasks must be tasked trained, as required under 30 CFR 46.7 (sand, gravel, stone, or limestone surface mines), 48.7 (underground mines), and 48.27(surface mines and surface areas of underground mines).
3. Compliance Assistance Program
As part of MSHA’s mission to promote safe and healthful workplaces, MSHA works with the mining community to prevent hazards from occurring and provide education and training assistance to mine operators and miners to accomplish the Agency’s mission. MSHA’s District Offices will identify mines that can benefit from compliance assistance from the Agency’s Educational Field and Small Mine Services staff.
Source: MSHA