In the wake of recent mine accidents, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has substantially increased their enforcement efforts. Historically, MSHA regulations have always been much less specific that OSHA standards so the MSHA compliance officers often refer to the OSHA standards when deciding upon enforcement actions.

Over the last year D2000 has worked with some of the country's largest mines, including Newmont, FMI, and Phelps Dodge to train their safety personnel in the areas of confined space and fall protection.

"Given the lack of specificity in the MSHA standards," explained D2000's Jim Johnson, "it can be very tough for these companies to comply. Our training for mines, therefore, focuses on other standards including OSHA and ANSI."

By understanding these stricter requirements and reflecting them in the companies' safety policies, the mining industry can advance their goals of protecting workers.

"They might not follow every word of the OSHA regulations," Mr. Johnson said, "so these companies adapt them as needed." And although there are variances between the various rules, "the laws of physics don't change from location to location. Those physical laws ultimately determine whether or not someone gets hurt."