Published: April 27, 2026 |

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Miners should regularly examine equipment motors and belt components for defects, the Mine Safety and Health Administration recommends in a recent safety alert.

The alert stems from an incident in which a surface limestone miner suffered serious injuries during a belt-drive motor repair. A tensioner bolt failed, causing it to come loose and strike the miner in the face.

“Spring-integrated designs with constant pressure and continuous vibrations pose potential safety concerns,” MSHA said.

The agency offers best practices for working with this equipment:

• Train miners to identify workplace hazards and perform work safely.
• Maintain all equipment and safety devices. Review manufacturer manuals before service, replace worn or
  damaged components, and use tightening sequences and tightening as recommended.
• Conduct risk assessments before starting work to identify and control all forms of stored energy, including
  mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, gravitational hazards, and unintended motion of equipment.
• Make sure components are properly aligned before bolts are installed.

“Misalignment can lead to uneven stress distribution within the system possibly leading to their premature failure,” MSHA said.

Source: Safety and Health Magazine

MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S miners. The agency develops and enforces safety and health rules for all U.S. mines regardless of size or number of employees. MSHA also provides technical, educational and other types of assistance to mine operators. MSHA works cooperatively with industry, labor and other federal and state agencies to improve safety and health conditions for all miners in the U.S.

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