What are the new MSHA safety regulations on powered haulage?

The Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor (MSHA) has published the final rule regarding the Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment, which will be effective as of January 19, 2024. The rule summary states that “mine operators develop, implement, and update, periodically or when necessary, a written safety program for surface mobile equipment (excluding belt conveyors) at surface mines and surface areas of underground mines. The written safety program must be developed and updated with input from miners and their representatives. The written safety program must include actions mine operators will take to identify hazards and risks to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment. The final rule offers mine operators flexibility to devise a safety program that is appropriate for their specific mining conditions and operations.”

In September 2022, MSHA proposed a safety program rule as part of several steps to reduce injuries involving surface mobile equipment.

Rule 86 FR 50496 would improve the safe usage of mobile and powered-haulage equipment at surface mines and surface areas of underground mines by requiring mine operators that employ six or more miners to design a written safety program. Programs would include actions to identify hazards, with MSHA also encouraging the provision of training that covers risk identification and mitigation.

The original deadline for comments was November 8, 2021.

Comments were supportive, with opinions differing on whether the weight of safety programs should focus on technologies (such as proximity detectors) or behavioral and cultural changes.

Most commenters noted that the application of engineering controls or technologies such as collision avoidance systems needs further review by MSHA and the National Institute for Occupational before any regulatory changes are made. This includes acknowledging that the issues MSHA raised vary at different mines and with different types of equipment, so it is critical to understand how specific hazards at a mine would be addressed through new technologies. Additionally, commenters emphasise the importance of communicating with stakeholders and miners.

A mining coalition commented that comprehensive safety programs are essential, with or with new technology, because human factors are a major contributor to accidents. It also noted that programs perform better when mine operators develop and implement their own safety programs.

MSHA reopened the rulemaking record for public comments and held a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule on Jan 11, 2022. The comment period was extended until February 11.

When do the MSHA safety regulations on powered haulage come into force?

The rule will come into effect as of January 19, 2024, and mine operators will need to meet the requirements of the proposed rule six months after the effective date of the final rule. This means that mine operators have until July 17, 2024 which is when the compliance date has been set for.

Who is affected by the MSHA safety regulations on power haulage?

All US mines that employ six or more miners will be required to submit a written safety program for surface mobile equipment that includes four types of actions that operators would take to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

What should you do to ensure you are compliant with the new MSHA safety regulations on powered haulage?

Powered haulage safety guidance provided by MSHA outlines best practices for improving visibility, communication, traffic management, seat belt use, dumping practices, equipment guards, working around belt conveyors and crossover safety.

According to Carroll Technologies president, Allen Haywood: “Designing a safety program could include things such as designated areas, as well as warnings of equipment and personnel being active, possibly with the use signage. There are different ways that each operation can come up with a plan to help the safety aspect of collisions with personnel or equipment.”

How can Carroll Technologies Group help?

Through Carroll Technologies, customers can be supplied with a wide range of MSHA-certified or intrinsically safe machinery and safety solutions designed to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities. The solutions we provide can be tailored to our customer’s specific requirements, no matter how big or small. We provide everything from cones and safety signage, cameras, proximity detectors and warning sensors, to complete collision avoidance systems. Other safety solutions are also available through Carroll Technologies, such as underground communications, lighting solutions, MSA multi gas detection, MPS hard hats, and Miner and Equipment Tracking Systems (METS) and more.

Carroll Technologies Group provides a full suite of technical mining training courses, including comprehensive training courses for all of the major products in its portfolio. Staff are introduced to safe work practices and precautionary techniques with materials and guidance provided by MSHA itself.

Our mining hazards and risks resource may help to assist with the identification of potential safety issues and available solutions to combat them.

If you still have questions or require assistance with your safety program, we can help you to identify safety risks and recommend necessary solutions. Get in touch via our chat feature on the website or by using the contact form. We’re always quick to respond and will be very happy to help.

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