Mobile equipment at openast operations includes bulldozers, front-end loaders and trucks, while belt conveyors are used to transport materials in opencast and underground mines. The RFI is part of a larger initiative that MSHA is undertaking to reduce accidents involving powered haulage – which includes haul trucks, front end loaders and other large vehicles – as well as belt conveyors.
In addition to soliciting data from stakeholders on technology and practices that can improve safety conditions for miners, MSHA will provide technical assistance and develop best practices and training materials to raise awareness of hazards related to mobile equipment and belt conveyors.
