SOURCE: MSHA | February 16, 2026
VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued its annual reminder about best practices for navigating winter-related hazards.
The alert highlights processes for miners to follow when preparing for the cold months, as well as tips for ensuring equipment and vehicle safety:
- Clear walkways, ramps and work areas regularly to prevent slips, trips and falls. Apply salt and sand where needed.
- Use caution in elevated work areas in icy or wet conditions. Always maintain three points of contact (two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands) when climbing ladders and equipment.
- Wear insulated gloves, boots and layered clothing to protect against frostbite and hypothermia.
- Know the symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite and cold stress.
- Create designated locations to allow miners to warm up during breaks and prevent cold-stress injuries.
- Check batteries, fuel lines and brakes to make sure equipment is ready for winter.
- Keep windshields, mirrors and lights free from snow and ice.
- Confirm proper functioning of equipment cab heating and defrosting systems for visibility and comfort.
- Reduce driving speeds in icy or snowy conditions, maintain a safe distance, and be on the lookout for black ice on roads.
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