Mine Safety
Established in 1872, the Mine Safety Program enforces laws designed to provide safe working environments for Ohio’s coal and industrial minerals miners.
Services include inspections of surface and underground mines, accident investigations, mine rescue support, and safety training.
The division’s Analytical Air and Water Laboratory tests air samples from underground mines to verify and enforce that air in Ohio’s underground mines is non-explosive and safe to breathe.
Miners are tested and certified to assure they understand and are skilled in using effective safety procedures. In addition, mine safety staff respond to mine disasters. Rescue stations throughout Ohio’s mining region maintain emergency vehicles and equipment for rapid mine rescue response.