Safety Newsletter
White House reviewing MSHA rule on surface mobile equipment safety
A new Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) rule mandating written safety programs for mobile and powered haulage equipment is approaching publication. Under review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, this rule targets mine operators with six or more miners and applies to equipment (excluding belt conveyors) in surface mines and surface areas of underground mines. Its purpose is to enhance hazard assessment and accident reduction for mobile equipment, with operators having the flexibility to tailor safety programs to their specific mining conditions. The rule was initiated with a notice of proposed rulemaking in September 2021, followed by a public hearing in January 2022.