Making A Complaint

Formal Complaints

A formal complaint conforms to Section 103(g) of the Mine Act. All formal complaints must be completed and submitted to MSHA in writing. The complaint must also have a signature from a miner or a representative confirming the accuracy of the statements in the complaint.

If a miner requests an inspection, MSHA will not reveal his or her name, the representative's name, or any details about the miner's job that may reveal his or her identity.

If there is a legitimate imminent danger noted in the complaint, MSHA officials will contact the mine operator immediately to set up an inspection. If MSHA decides not to investigate the complaint, the miner or representative will be notified in writing. Miners and their representatives may appeal MSHA's decision if they wish to do so.

Informal Complaints

An informal complaint is any kind of complaint made to an MSHA official that is not submitted in writing. This includes any phone calls made to the hazard reporting hotline. These complaints may result in an inspection, but an inspection is not guaranteed.

If the complaint reveals enough information to specify the mine and the hazard, MSHA will take the appropriate steps to investigate the matter.

MSHA is not obligated to contact a mine operator in the event that a reported complaint is categorized as "other complaint" (that is, the complaint is not related to hazardous conditions, imminent danger, or violations of the Mine Act).

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