US Mine Safety and Health Administration officials said such activities often involved climbing ladders or walking on machinery surfaces. Many of these tasks can expose miners to fall hazards regardless of other aspects of his or her working conditions.

“Modern mobile equipment is designed to minimize slip and fall hazards,” the agency said.

“But large machinery, new and old, can require work at heights with a fall potential that can cause serious injury or death,” the agency said.

MSHA issued the alert for all of the mining industry after data analysis highlighted 25 fatal accidents in the metal and non/metal sector between 2005 and 2012 where falls from heights contributed to the death.

In an effort to prevent these types of incidents at the nation’s mines, officials spotlighted the importance of operators to inspect equipment for icy, wet, or oily areas at the start of each shift as well as when conditions changed.

Before boarding mobile equipment for operation, maintenance or repair, and again before climbing off, workers should ensure their footwear is mud-free and clear of any other material which could cause slipping.

Also, people climbing on or off mobile equipment should face the machine, MSHA said.

Both hands should be free for gripping the ladder, handrail, or handhold and, when necessary, a cord, rope, or other line should be used to lift and lower lunch pails, thermos bottles and needed tools.

Unobstructed access to equipment is also imperative to safety, and all walkways should be no narrower than their original manufactured widths and constructed with slip-resistant surfaces.

Finally, officials said, holds and handrails should always be within easy reach at critical locations to prevent injuries and potentially fatal incidents.