Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which was created in 1978, is charged with regulating and inspecting mine sites to ensure that miners are properly trained in the health and safety aspects of their jobs. MSHA is an administrative unit of the United States Department of Labor (DOL). Its highest priority is to enforce the provisions set forth in the Mine Act. MSHA implements the orders of the Mine Act to reduce the occurrence of accidents, both fatal and nonfatal, in mine sites all over the nation.

Other Agencies

While MSHA is the primary regulatory agency assigned with the enforcement of laws within mines, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has areas of authority within mine safety operations. The United Mine Workers of America Health and Safety Department (UMWA H&S) monitors MSHA and OSHA to ensure that effective safety and health rules are being administered; however, UMWA is not a regulatory agency.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.