October 8, 2025 - Good worksite housekeeping can significantly reduce miners’ exposure to respirable dust and silica, the Mine Safety and Health Administration says in a recently published health alert.

The agency warns that “dusty work clothes are a significant source of secondary exposures” to dirt and dust, which can also be tracked into work areas from miners’ boots.

Best practices for keeping work areas clear of dust and silica include: 

• Regularly wash work clothes. Don’t use compressed air to blow dust off them.
• Install and use cleaning stations and booths, including boot-washing stations near production areas.
• Place boot brushes outside of equipment cabs, control rooms and offices.
• Use leather and vinyl chairs in equipment, break rooms and offices.
• Wipe down chairs on a regular basis.
• Wash equipment and floors regularly. Use floor sweeping units and HEPA vacuums in high-traffic areas and sweeping compounds when dry sweeping.