New MSHA online training tool will help mine operators
and contractors report injuries, illnesses and accidents

ARLINGTON, Va. — Along with enforcement and technical assistance, education and training is an essential component of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's mission. To assist mine operators and contractors in complying with federal regulations to report accidents, illnesses and injuries, MSHA has created a new interactive, online training tool.

Part 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations requires mine operators to notify MSHA of accidents, illnesses and injuries as well as report quarterly employment and production data.

"Accidents, injuries and illnesses are key indicators of the effectiveness of a mine operator's health and safety program," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "This new tool helps clarify reporting requirements for mine operators so they can better document injuries and illnesses."

"From the operator's perspective, it can serve as a road map to pinpoint where they are having problems and where they need to concentrate their efforts," Main added. "For miners, it will help them better understand the Part 50 requirements on reporting work-related injuries and illnesses. Finally, it will enhance MSHA's ability to evaluate and develop mine safety and health initiatives which benefit the entire mining industry."

The Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General raised concerns in a March 2014 report about the accurate reporting of mine injuries and illnesses by mine operators. In 2014, mine operators reported 8,176 injuries and illnesses to MSHA.

The new online training program pulls together all available information on Part 50 in one location. Among its available resources are the Part 50 Program Policy Manual; reporting deaths on mine property; reporting roof falls; filling out forms on accidents, injuries and illnesses; access to the Mine Data Retrieval System; pattern of violations criteria; and training modules for both miners and mine operators.