Mining Industry Safety-Supervisors Checklist

Exercise stop work authority immediately for imminent danger conditions: unstable ground threatening collapse, equipment operating with critical safety defects, untrained operators on equipment, missing or bypassed safety devices, atmospheric hazards exceeding limits. Document the hazard, notify affected personnel, barricade the area, and report to management. You're legally protected from retaliation—failing to stop work when hazards exist creates personal liability under Section 110(c) if incidents occur.

Document all safety concerns in writing including management's response. Never compromise on S&S violations—these create imminent danger. Remind management that supervisor criminal liability exists for knowingly permitting violations. If pressured, file a hazard complaint with MSHA (protected activity). Keep personal copies of safety documentation off-site. Remember: production bonuses aren't worth criminal charges or living with fatality responsibility. One MSHA imminent danger order costs more than any production gain.

Section 110(c) creates personal criminal and civil liability for supervisors who knowingly authorize violations. Penalties include up to $250,000 fines and 5 years imprisonment for willful violations causing death. Civil penalties reach $70,000 per violation. You're personally liable for: falsifying examination records, allowing untrained operators, ignoring imminent dangers, bypassing safety devices, and concealing hazards from inspectors. Protect yourself through accurate documentation, immediate hazard correction, and refusing unsafe directives.

Start examinations 30 minutes before shift, physically inspect (don't rely on reports), use systematic routes covering all work areas, carry gas monitors in confined spaces, test emergency stops and alarms. Document all hazards found with specific locations, record corrective actions taken or required, note areas declared unsafe for work. Sign and date examination books legibly—these are legal documents. Train backup examiners for consistency. Focus extra attention on previous problem areas and weather-affected conditions.

Accompany inspectors throughout (your right as supervisor), provide requested records immediately, correct violations immediately if possible, document inspector's exact words and measurements, photograph cited conditions before abatement. Never argue or provide false information—both create additional violations. Focus on preventing S&S designations through immediate correction. Request clarification on vague citations. Have competent persons available to answer technical questions. Review all citations before inspector leaves to ensure accuracy. Most importantly, treat inspectors professionally—they remember hostile mines for increased scrutiny.