Mine Safety and Health Program
The Mine Safety and Health Program is administered in Massachusetts by the Division of Occupational Safety in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Under 30 CFR Part 56, safety and health standards are required to be in place for all surface metal/non-metal mines throughout the nation. Initial and annual refresher training of all mining employees is required as well (30 CFR Part 48). These requirements apply to the approximately 150 mining operations in Massachusetts.
The operations in Massachusetts include sand and gravel pits, crushed stone operations, and quarries. Efforts by the Division of Occupational Safety are focused on preventing injuries and illnesses by conducting site inspections and providing training for employees.
Site Inspections Inspectors from the Division of Occupational Safety conduct extensive health and safety evaluations at mining operations each year. The limited number of inspections are done free of charge, at the employer's request. Some of the main areas of focus are machine guarding, lock-out/tag-out safeguards, safe hauling procedures, and overexposure to noise.
Mandatory Training All mine operators are required to provide annual health and safety refresher training for each employee. The Division of Occupational Safety conducts eight hour annual refresher training which is available to contractor employees as well. The trainings are provided free of charge and are conducted by approved MSHA instructors. Topics range from the proper use of personal protective equipment (e.g., harnesses and respiratory devices), to the identification of hazards, to first aid.
For more information about this program, please call 617-969-7177.
Links to Other Sites
The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration can be reached by clicking on www.msha.gov