MSHA Training FAQ
Introduction to the Work Environment Frequently Asked Questions
What is Introduction to the Work Environment?
Introduction to the Work Environment is a training requirement set by the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as part of Part 48 Surface New Miner Training and Part 48 Experienced Miner
What is needed to meet the requirement?
A tour of the entire mine site or area representative of the entire mine site.
Is this a new requirement?
No, this requirement has been a part of the regulations for many years. However, since about 2006, MSHA has allowed this requirement to be satisfied off-site through representative photos, videos etc FOR CONTRACTORS ONLY. In the 4th quarter of 2022, MSHA reversed this long-standing practice with no public notice, coordinated communication, or transition period.
How was this change communicated to stakeholders?
Because this was an existing requirement, there was no formal communication from MSHA. We first became aware of this change when we heard about contractors being denied access to mine sites, other contractors being removed from mine sites by MSHA and training plans being temporarily revoked.
As a contractor what do I need to do?
McCraren Compliance will now offer a mine site tour multiple times each month. To simplify scheduling at least one tour will be held the same week as our New Miner training.
When you sign up for Surface New Miner, you will have the option to register with or without a tour. There will be a small additional fee when you register for training with a tour. You can also arrange for a mine site tour by the mine operator. Keep in mind the tour must be conducted by an MSHA-approved trainer (Blue Card Holder) who will need to provide you with a 5000-23 (MSHA training certificate) stating you completed the Introduction to the Work Environment and sign off on your New Miner training as complete.
If you obtain your mine site tour from someone other than McCraren Compliance, we will issue you a 5000-23 stating you have completed 24 hours of New Miner Safety training but will be unable to mark the training as complete as the Introduction to the Work Environment requirement will need to be satisfied.
