Roof Bolter onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: MSHA Part 48, Underground miner certification (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: roof bolting machines; bolts and plates; mesh; torque wrenches
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Roof Bolter training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Never go under unsupported roof
Check for methane
Wear self-rescuers
Follow MSHA rules
Shadow an experienced roof bolter through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: sound a mine roof
Supervised practice: bolt a new cut safely
Supervised practice: test for methane before bolting
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Drill roof holes: independently
Install bolts: independently
Install mesh: independently
Test roof conditions: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, MSHA Part 48)
Discuss the career path: Miner → Roof Bolter → Lead Bolter
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Sound a Mine Roof
Bolt a New Cut Safely
Test for Methane Before Bolting
Bolter operation
Ground control
Roof testing
Drilling

How to measure onboarding success

Weeks to first qualification sign-off
Procedure compliance and safety observations
Recordable incidents and near-misses
First-year retention

How Roof Bolter training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Roof Bolter Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Roof Bolter Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Roof Bolter Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Roof Bolter Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)