The bulletin reiterate areas of responsibility for both mine owners and contractors when a death occurs on an operation property, regardless of type. Those which management often consider non-chargeable, and therefore not eligible to be reported to federal officials, include suicides and homicides as well as the passing of mine trespassers, customers, or visitors.

"Section 30 CFR 50.10, Immediate Notification, requires the operator to contact MSHA at once, without delay, and within 15 minutes at the toll-free number, 1-800-746-1553, once the operator knows or should know that an accident has occurred," the agency noted, adding that federal rule Section 30 CFR 50.2 outlines that an "accident" includes the death of any individual at a mine.

Following any incident, operators must also submit a Mine Accident, Injury, and Illness Report, known as Form 7000-1, within 10 days. "It makes no difference whether the deceased is a mine employee, visitor, trespasser, or customer," it said.

The PIB is available in its entirety and in printable form at the MSHA website.