Frequently Asked
Questions

New surface miners at coal and metal/nonmetal operations must complete 24 hours of MSHA-approved training before beginning work. This includes introductory safety instruction, hazard recognition, emergency procedures, and site-specific hazards. GPS provides fully compliant 24-Hour New Miner Training covering both Part 46 and Part 48 requirements.

All surface coal and metal/nonmetal miners must complete 8 hours of annual refresher training. This must be completed within 12 months of your last training. GPS offers flexible scheduling to keep your workforce current with both Part 46 and Part 48 requirements.

Yes. GPS delivers training on-site at your facility throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. On-site training allows us to address your specific hazards and use your equipment as examples.

Yes. GPS provides complete training records including sign-in sheets, certificates of completion, and documentation suitable for MSHA inspection review.

MSHA does not mandate a specific audit frequency, but best practice is at least annually. Many operations benefit from quarterly or semi-annual internal audits. GPS can help establish an audit schedule appropriate for your operation's risk profile.

MSHA audits focus on mining-specific regulations (Parts 46/48, 56/57, 62, etc.) while OSHA audits address general industry standards applicable to other industries outside of mining. Many mining operations need both.

Yes. GPS provides citation conferencing support including documentation preparation, mitigation argument development, and conference representation to help reduce penalties and improve outcomes.

We develop site-specific LOTO procedures, SOPs, and JHAs that meet regulatory requirements and reflect your actual work practices. Each procedure is written with input from your team to ensure practical usability.

GPS provides on-site services throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Our headquarters is in Bloomfield, Indiana, allowing rapid deployment across the region.

GPS is available for rapid incident investigation response. We can typically be on-site within hours for critical incidents. We also offer on-call arrangements for priority response.

The simplest way is to request a free consultation. We'll discuss your operation, understand your needs, and develop a tailored plan. Submit a consultation request form and our team will respond within 24 hours.

GPS works with mining operations of all sizes — from small family-owned quarries to large multi-site operations. Our services are scaled to fit your operation's size, complexity, and budget.

Yes, we will assist mine operators with their dust sampling equipment. GPS provides comprehensive airborne dust monitoring guidance using MSHA-approved sampling methods. We help collect samples, analyze results, and recommend control measures where exposures exceed thresholds.

A silica control plan documents how your operation controls respirable crystalline silica exposure. MSHA requires operations to control silica exposures, and having a documented plan demonstrates compliance. GPS develops site-specific silica control plans.

GPS develops comprehensive power haulage and mobile equipment safety programs addressing traffic patterns, equipment inspection, operator competency, and pedestrian interaction — the key areas in preventing mobile equipment incidents.