US Department of Labor to hold public hearing on proposed rule to improve safe use of mobile, powered-haulage mining equipment

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor will reopen the rulemaking record and hold a virtual public hearing on Jan. 11, 2022, on the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s proposed rule for Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment to improve safe usage of mobile, powered-haulage equipment. This proposed rule is one of several actions MSHA has taken to reduce fatal and nonfatal injuries involving surface mobile equipment used at mines, and to improve safety and health.

On Sept. 9, 2021, MSHA published the proposed rule that would require mine operators employing six or more miners to develop a written safety program for mobile and powered haulage equipment (excluding belt conveyors) at surface mines and surface areas of underground mines.

In response to a public request, MSHA will hold the hearing and reopen the comment period until Feb. 11, 2022, to receive additional comments and data from stakeholders on the proposed rule.

To speak during the virtual public hearing, register by Jan. 10, 2022, at 5 p.m. EST.

Read the proposed rule for Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment.