Mine Safety and Health

A new MSHA initiative will help educate coal miners with pneumoconiosis about their rights to work in healthier parts of the mine, without fear of retaliation.

At the Mine Safety and Health Administration, our primary mission is to help ensure that miners can go to work each day and return home to their families and communities safe and healthy.

Each year, dozens of people are injured or killed while exploring, swimming or playing at a mine property. Active and abandoned mine sites all pose serious risks to people untrained and unfamiliar with the site.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance highlights the efforts of MSHA’s Miner Vaccination Outreach Program to protect miners against COVID-19 through vaccination. 

On July 24, 2002, nine coal miners at the Quecreek #1 Mine site in Pennsylvania were trapped after mining activities breached an adjacent mine filled with water. For 77 hours, MSHA, state, and local rescuers worked successfully to rescue all nine men.

All workers – and supervisors in particular – need to recognize the conditions of a “hot” job and should be provided heat-stress training on worker risk, prevention, symptoms, monitoring, treatment and personal protective equipment.

Throughout America’s history, women have played a critical role in mines and mining operations. During Women's History Month, we recognize the contributions women have made in the mining industry and their role in creating opportunities and better working conditions in mines.

We saw an increase in mine fatalities and injuries in the past year, many of which could have been prevented with proper training and attention to tasks. Remember to "Take Time, Save Lives."

Join us this National Miners Day in saluting the hard work of the hundreds of thousands of people who work in America’s mines.

All workers have the right to raise concerns if they believe their rights are being violated in the workplace. Learn how the Labor Department defends the right of workers to speak up.