The Definition of MSHA

Definition of MSHA

MSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, is the agency within the US Department of Labor that enforces safety and health standards at mines. It was created by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, often called the Mine Act, and covers all surface and underground mines in the United States, including coal, metal and nonmetal mines, quarries, sand and gravel pits and many mineral processing operations.

MSHA's mission is to prevent death, illness and injury from mining and to promote safe and healthful workplaces for miners. While OSHA covers most other US workplaces, mining operations fall under MSHA instead. Contractors who work on mine property are generally also subject to MSHA rules.

MSHA's regulations are found in Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR). Key parts include Parts 46 and 48 for miner training, Part 50 for accident and injury reporting, Parts 56 and 57 for metal and nonmetal surface and underground mines, and Parts 70 to 77 for coal mines.

What MSHA Does

Inspections

The Mine Act requires MSHA to inspect every underground mine at least four times a year and every surface mine at least twice a year. Inspections are typically unannounced. MSHA also investigates accidents, responds to hazard complaints from miners and can conduct targeted inspections at mines with poor safety records.

Enforcement

• Issuing citations and orders for violations, with civil penalties.
• Issuing withdrawal orders that remove miners from areas with imminent dangers or serious uncorrected hazards.
• Placing mines with a pattern of significant violations under stricter enforcement.

Standards and training

MSHA sets standards on topics such as ground control, ventilation, electrical safety, mobile equipment, explosives, respirable dust including silica, noise and hazard communication. It requires new miner training, annual refresher training and task training before miners operate new equipment.

Miners' rights

The Mine Act gives miners the right to report hazards, request inspections, refuse unsafe work in certain cases and be protected from retaliation.

Complying With MSHA

• Keep up-to-date training plans and records for all miners and contractors.
• Conduct and document workplace examinations of each working place before work begins in each shift.
• Report accidents, injuries and illnesses within MSHA's required timeframes.
• Maintain mobile equipment and conduct pre-shift equipment checks.
• Track and correct citations quickly, and analyze trends to prevent repeats.

Example of MSHA

An MSHA inspector made an unannounced visit to an aggregate quarry. During the inspection, she found a conveyor tail pulley without a guard and a haul truck with defective brakes. She issued citations for both and an order removing the haul truck from service until it was repaired.

The quarry fixed both issues the same day. It also reviewed its workplace examination records and found that examiners had been noting the missing guard for weeks without anyone fixing it. The quarry set up a system for tracking corrective actions to closure and trained examiners and supervisors on escalation.

Frequently Asked Questions: MSHA

What is the difference between MSHA and OSHA?

MSHA regulates safety and health at mines under the Mine Act and 30 CFR. OSHA regulates most other private-sector workplaces under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and 29 CFR.

Do contractors at mine sites need MSHA training?

Generally, yes. Contractors who work on mine property and are exposed to mining hazards usually need MSHA training and must follow MSHA rules.

How often does MSHA inspect mines?

Underground mines are inspected at least four times a year and surface mines at least twice a year, plus additional inspections for complaints, accidents and special emphasis programs.