MSHA works to prevent fatalities, illness, and injury from mining and secure safe and healthful workplaces for America’s miners. Mine Safety and Health Enforcement is responsible for performing the Agency’s enforcement activities including:

• Conducting inspections, including mandatory quarterly and semiannual inspections of mines and facilities.
• Issuing citations and orders for any observed violations.
• Issuing a withdrawal order, removing equipment from service, and/or withdrawing miners in cases of imminent danger.
• Conducting health sampling of respirable dust and noise exposure at mines, as well as monitoring toxic materials and harmful physical agents.
• Investigating fatal and serious nonfatal accidents.
• Investigating complaints of hazardous conditions reported by miners.
• Investigating criminal violations.
• Examining complaints of discrimination reported by miners.
• Conducting safety and health conferences with mine operators on violations.
• Approving required roof control, ventilation, emergency response, and training plans.
• Reviewing mine operators’ mining plans and education and training programs for miners
• Directing various mine safety and health assistance programs.
• Training and certifying instructors.
• Developing improved safety and health standards.

Map of Enforcement Regions and Offices

Regions

Resources

• Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for Coronavirus
• Report an Accident or Hazardous Condition
• Safety and Health Alerts
• Fatality Report
• Mine Data Retrieval System