The traditional Spring Thaws held around the country are virtual this year so you may be able to attend them even if they aren’t in your area. Spring Thaws are held by mining industry hosts to:
• increase awareness and recognition of mining hazards. • improve hazard correction. • encourage safe work practices.
At these events, safety professionals from mining and equipment companies, associations, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration share information on a range of mining hazards. While MSHA does not sponsor these events, they encourage miners to take advantage of those offered in your area, in-person or virtual.
Each year on Dec. 6, we celebrate National Miners Day to recognize and applaud the skill, dedication and hard work miners put into providing many of the products essential to fulfilling America’s most vital needs. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to every working miner in our nation. – David Zatezalo, MSHA – Continue reading here…
Stepping into OSHA-land for a moment, a news release several days ago stated “U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $2,851,533 in Coronavirus Violations.” Whether your job is in an OSHA or MSHA jurisdiction, OSHA provides some helpful enforcement and safety publications. Here are links to:
October 30th was set aside as Mine Rescue Day (MRD) in 2013 as a time to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of volunteers who risk their own lives to save other miners.
Throughout our nation’s history, members of the mining community have been called upon to rescue their fellow miners from emergency situations in coal and metal and nonmetal mines, whether trapped by fires, explosions, roof falls, flooding or harmful gases.
On Mine Rescue Day, we salute these brave individuals who give their time and risk their lives in the service of others. – MSHA