Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA)

May is National Electrical Safety Month. Electricity is a serious hazard that exposes miners to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires and explosions.

On National Miners Day we celebrate the achievements of America’s miners.

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. 

As we recognize National Whistleblower Appreciation Day on July 30, we celebrate all the brave workers who speak out against unsafe or unfair working conditions, and thank them for their contributions to ensuring safer, more just conditions for themselves and their co-workers. Because of their actions, lives and livelihoods have been saved.  

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.

So far this year, nine miners have been killed and 185 have been injured in accidents involving powered haulage equipment. Join us for a national Stand Down for Safety Day on July 20 to help save lives and prevent injuries.