MSHA has a really useful on-line tool called the DRS or ‘Data Retrieval System’ that allows you to look up every mine in the country and see all the data relating to that mine. MSHA also provides statistics on which of those citations have been cited the most. Below I have listed the top ten safety violations for Metal, Non-Metal and Coal mines. This information is current to 12/15/2009. I will update this post as MSHA updates the DRS. We will detailing each citation type in future posts except coal.

Top Ten Violations, Surface Operations, Nonmetal – (1/1/2009 – 12/15/2009)

1. 239 – Moving machine parts. – 56.14107(a)
2. 144 – Safety defects; examination, correction and records. – 56.14100(b)
3. 140 – Electrical conductors. – 56.12004
4. 127 – Horns and backup alarms. – 56.14132(a)
5. 124 – Inspection and cover plates. – 56.12032
6. 101 – Identification of power switches. – 56.12018
7. 82 – Preparation and submission of MSHA Form 7000-2. – 50.30(a)
8. 71 – Construction and maintenance of guards. – 56.14112(b)
9. 69 – Insulation and fittings for power wires and cables. – 56.12008
10. 69 – Housekeeping. – 56.20003(a)

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Welcome to Small Mine Safety

We do exactly as the name implies; we help small mines get a handle on their safety program or you can use the information provided to help new mines implement a safety program. If you have a specific question just contact me and ask and I will try to get it up on the site to help other mine operators as fast as I possibly can.

My qualifications: I have been a safety manager for a small mine in New Mexico for over eight years. I am a blue card carrying MSHA qualified trainer. I am qualified by MSHA to train for Parts 48 and 46 surface mines/facilities and I have trained or co-trained in a minimum of one to two trainings per year since 2001.

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