Jurisdiction resources / United States
Working alone in Kentucky
A starting point for surface coal and clay mining.
Authority and scope
Surface coal and clay mining
Kentucky’s surface coal and clay mine safety rule addresses working alone in hazardous areas and requires that a worker be able to communicate with others, be heard or be seen. It also requires each workplace to be visited by a certified foreman or assistant at the beginning of and at least once each shift.
This is one starting point for the work described, not a complete list of state or federal requirements. Check which agency and rules apply to the employer and task.
Put the guidance to work
Questions for your plan
Does the operation fall under the surface coal and clay rule, and who provides required site visits, emergency communication and medical arrangements?
What to review
Review applicability to surface coal and clay mining, hazardous-task communication, mandatory site visits and emergency arrangements. A monitoring service is not a substitute for the required certified site inspection.
Some work requires another person on site. Remote monitoring does not replace that requirement or the organization's own assessment, training and emergency procedures.
Explore remote work and limited coverageCheck the current source
Official sources
Sources listed November 4, 2026. Links and requirements can change.
Discuss your work
Talk through your team's plan
Be Safe can explain how check-ins, human monitoring and Emergency Contacts fit your team's work. Your organization remains responsible for determining its requirements and procedures.
Contact Be Safe