Paper Scope and Focus

This paper will attempt to address and focus on four areas:

  • Help you to identify that mine safety compliance is different from OSHA regulated work Sites

  • Help you to avoid the "Big Surprise" that can come your way if you are not prepared for MSHA

  • Help to equalize the opportunities to win the bid for working on a project. Understand that safety compliance and staffing will cost more

  • Help to keep your employees safe when exposed to mine hazards

It's a Different World under MSHA

If you have been awarded a contract to work on a project at a mine location, you and your employees are now considered Miners under the rules and regulations of MSHA. All of the laws from the Mine Act of 1977 and 30 CFR parts 1 – 199 are now in force.

Your training programs and company policies for safety compliance based on the OSHA standards will not be acceptable to MSHA or their inspector's critical examinations. Let's look at the items that need to be in place prior to getting to work at the mine site project.

  • Obtain an Independent Contractor ID Number

  • Access the MSHA Website www.msha.gov

  • Find the "Online Tools" link

  • Click on the "Online Filing / Forms Homepage"

  • Fill in all of the required information and submit to MSHA

This is really quite easy and only requires general information about your company.

Note: This web page has many of the forms that you will need for other filings and resources.

  • Familiarize Yourself with the MSHA Safety & Health Act

The MSHA Act was passed into law in 1977. This law authorizes the Secretary of Labor or his/her designate to administrate and enforce the safety rules contained in 30 CFR parts 1 – 199.

Currently, Mandatory inspections are required 2 times a year for every mine operation in the country. Underground mines will receive a minimum of 4 inspections each year. If you are working at the mine when the inspector shows up, you are subject to inspection.

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