Mine management, workers and contractors can use the portal at MSHA’s website to perform mandatory duties such as reporting mine hazards and updating legal identity reports, along with other actions such as requesting a new ID number for independent contractors and submitting information on employment and production.

Mines can also submit self-contained self-rescuer reports and equipment approval forms while inventory on a mine-by-mine basis can also be managed through e-filing. Currently, about 60% of operations are making use of the system, the agency said.

MSHA established a helpline for anyone needing assistance with the system or to report problems. The toll-free number is 877-778-6055.

The agency also reminded the mining community recently of its other important toll-free number, the One Call Does it All line for operations to use when reporting an accident.

As required under the Emergency Mine Evacuation Final Rule of 2006, mines must use the number immediately and no later than 15 minutes after an accident classified as immediately reportable.

Those events include: death; injury with the potential to cause death; unplanned liquid or gas inundation; entrapment exceeding 30 minutes; or an outburst of coal or rock that disrupts regular mining activity for more than one hour.

The agency can be reached at 800-746-1553 to inform staff of an immediately reportable accident.