Seyfarth Synopsis: MSHA just announced a Request for Information (RFI) on safety improvement technologies for mobile equipment and for belt conveyors, both at surface mines. 83 Fed. Reg. 29716 (June 26, 2018).

In its RFI MSHA notes that “mining safety could be substantially improved by preventing accidents that involve mobile equipment at surface coal mines and metal and nonmetal mines and belt conveyors at surface and underground mines.”  As part of an “Awareness Campaign” on mobile equipment and conveyor belts, MSHA is seeking information on the role of engineering controls that that might (1) increase the use of seatbelts, (2) enhance the equipment operator’s ability to see all areas near the machine, (3) warn operators of potential collision hazards, (4) prevent operators from driving over a highwall or dump point, and (5) prevent entanglement hazards near moving or re-energized conveyor belts.  MSHA indicates that it is requesting this information and data to reduce the risk of accidents and to improve miner safety.

MSHA is also indicating that it will hold stakeholder meetings to provide interested stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss and share information about the issues raised in the RFI.  It will publish a separate notice announcing the stakeholder meetings in the Federal Register at a later date.

Comments and responses to the RFI are due by December 24, 2018.  Submissions and responses to the RFI may be found at docket number MSHA_FRDOC_0001.