Statutory Rights &
MSHA Inspections
MSHA Inspections
What Mine Act protection allows a miner or contractor employee to report unsafe conditions without fear of punishment?
Protection from discrimination or retaliation under Section 105(c) of the Mine Act.
What is the first step in effective hazard recognition before starting work at a blast site?
Evaluate the work area and identify hazards.
Why are ground conditions especially hazardous immediately after blasting?
Blasting loosens material and alters ground stability
Why is standing water a serious hazard at blast sites?
It hides unstable ground and increases slip or rollover risk.
Before loading explosives, what must be verified about the blast area?
The area is secured and unauthorized personnel are cleared.
What daily action identifies mechanical hazards before equipment operation?
A documented pre-operational inspection.
What must be verified before operating a UTV or ATV on site?
The vehicle has been inspected and is safe to operate.
What is the first priority during any emergency?
Protect life and move to safety.
Does MSHA have authority to inspect contractor operations, such as Dykon, while working at a mine site?
Yes. MSHA has authority over contractors performing work at a mine.
Why is hazard recognition considered a shared responsibility on Dykon job sites?
Conditions change and everyone must identify and report hazards.
What visible signs may indicate unstable highwall conditions?
Cracks, sloughing, loose rock, or recent rockfall.
How does water affect spoil banks and pit walls?
It weakens material and increases collapse risk.
Why must explosives and detonators be kept separate until loading?
To prevent accidental initiation.
Name one critical system that must be checked daily.
Brakes, steering, tires, lights, hydraulics, or fire suppression.
Why are seat belts or restraints critical in UTVs?
They prevent ejection during rollovers.
Why must Dykon crews understand site-specific emergency procedures?
Delays increase injury severity and risk.
Can a miner or contractor employee request to speak privately with an MSHA inspector during an inspection?
Yes. Miners may speak privately with MSHA without management present.
Why must near-miss incidents be addressed even if no one was injured?
They indicate uncontrolled hazards that could cause serious injury.
Why should workers avoid the toe of a highwall after blasting?
Delayed rockfall or collapse may occur.
Why should workers use extra caution around water-filled pits?
Depth and stability may be unknown.
What condition may require delaying a blast even after loading is complete?
Unsafe weather or changing site conditions.
Why must fluid levels be checked daily?
Low fluids can cause equipment failure or fires.
What hazard increases when UTVs operate near blast or equipment areas?
Collision and visibility hazards.
In remote locations, what information is critical when reporting an injury?
GPS coordinates and access directions.
What right allows a miner or contractor representative to accompany an MSHA inspector during an inspection?
Walkaround rights.
Which hazards should receive the highest priority for correction?
Hazards that pose an immediate risk of serious injury or death.
How does water accumulation increase ground control hazards?
It weakens soil and rock and hides unstable areas.
How can rainfall rapidly increase water hazards?
By causing flooding, erosion, and ground failure.
How does water in boreholes increase blasting hazards?
It can degrade explosives and cause misfires.
What action is required if a safety defect is found during inspection?
Tag out the equipment and report it.
Why are unauthorized passengers prohibited?
They affect stability and increase rollover risk.
Before work begins, what must be verified about fire extinguishers?
Correct type, charged, accessible, and inspected.
How may MSHA view a supervisor instructing workers not to speak during an inspection?
As interference with an MSHA inspection.
How can weather changes increase hazards during blasting operations?
By affecting ground stability, visibility, and misfire risk.
Who is responsible for identifying unsafe ground conditions on site?
Everyone on site.
What risk increases when equipment operates near saturated ground?
Sink-in, rollover, or ground collapse.
Why must blast areas remain controlled after detonation?
Post-blast hazards such as misfires may exist.
Why is daily lubrication important for equipment?
It prevents overheating and premature failure.
How does excessive speed increase UTV hazards?
It reduces control and increases stopping distance.
Why must personnel be accounted for after an evacuation?
To ensure no one is missing or injured.
Is a miner required to notify management before reporting a safety concern to MSHA?
No. Miners may contact MSHA directly.
If conditions change during work, what is the safest required action?
Stop work if necessary and reassess hazards.
What should workers do if ground stability is uncertain?
Stay clear and report the condition.
What action is required when water conditions change on site?
Reassess hazards and report before continuing work.
What is the correct action if a misfire is suspected?
Secure the area and follow misfire procedures.
When should daily inspections be conducted?
At the start of each shift and when conditions change.
What action is required if steering or brakes fail?
Remove the vehicle from service and report it.
At remote sites, what must be ensured about first-aid kits?
They are stocked, accessible, and inspected.
After contacting MSHA, a miner is reassigned to undesirable work. What Mine Act protection applies?
Protection against discrimination under Section 105(c).
Why is relying solely on experience dangerous when identifying hazards?
Experience can lead to complacency as conditions change
Why is staging equipment near highwalls dangerous?
Falling rock or sudden wall failure may occur.
Why are wet spoil banks particularly dangerous?
They may fail suddenly without warning.
Why is visual inspection alone insufficient after blasting?
Misfires or unstable material may not be visible.
Why is operating defective equipment a serious MSHA concern?
It significantly increases accident risk.
Why are haul roads especially dangerous for UTVs?
Large equipment has limited visibility.
Why should GPS locations and access routes be pre-planned?
To reduce emergency response time.
Name two actions that could be considered interference with an MSHA inspection.
Discouraging miners from speaking, denying access, providing false information, or retaliation.
Why must hazard recognition continue after a blast is completed?
New hazards such as misfires, flyrock, or unstable ground may exist.
Why must ground conditions be reassessed daily and after weather events?
Conditions can change rapidly and create new hazards.
Why must water hazards be evaluated daily?
Conditions can change quickly and unpredictably.
Why is strict adherence to Dykon blasting procedures critical during MSHA inspections?
It demonstrates safety control and compliance.
Why is maintenance documentation important during inspections?
It proves equipment condition and compliance.
Why is formal training required before UTV operation?
Improper operation greatly increases accident risk.
How do crews reduce emergency response delays in rural areas?
Use GPS, assign guides, and pre-plan access routes.