MSHA issues final rule on written programs for mobile, powered haulage equipment
Arlington, VA — Mine operators will soon be required to have a written safety program for mobile and powered haulage equipment “developed and updated with input from miners and their representatives.”
A Mine Safety and Health Administration final rule published Dec. 20 applies to operators with six or more miners and covers equipment – excluding belt conveyors – at surface mines and surface areas of underground mines.
Programs must include “actions mine operators will take to identify hazards and risks to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment,” MSHA says.
Although the rule is set to go into effect Jan. 19, MSHA isn’t requiring mine operators to establish and implement programs until July.
According to agency data, 10 fatalities related to powered haulage have occurred this year, representing a quarter of the 40 total fatal occupational injuries among miners reported as of Dec. 18.
MSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking on written programs for mobile and powered haulage in September 2021 and conducted a public hearing on the regulation four months later. The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs received the rule for review in September.
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