Joe Main to be Nominated for Head of MSHA

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A White House press release announced intentions to nominate a number of government officials yesterday including Joseph Main as Assistant Secretary for MSHA. The press release says the following about Mr. Main:

Joseph A. (Joe) Main, has vast mine health safety experience in the
U.S. and is internationally recognized as an expert in mining health
issues.  A Greene County Pennsylvania native, now residing in
Spotsylvania, VA, Mr. Main began working in coal mines in 1967 and
quickly became an advocate for miners safety as a union safety
committeeman as well as serving in various local union positions in the
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). He was employed by the UMWA in
1974 as a Special Assistant to the International President, and joined
the UMWA Safety Division in 1976, serving as Safety Inspector,
Administrative Assistant, and Deputy Director. In 1982 he was appointed
Administrator of the UMWA Occupational Health and Safety Department, a
position he held for 22 years, managing the international health and
safety program and staff. He has considerable hands on experience
inspecting and evaluating mining conditions, plans and systems. Mr.
Main currently works as a self-employed mine safety consultant.  His
recent work has focused on international mine safety, research and
analysis projects on preventing mining accidents, and development of
training programs and facilities to prepare miners and emergency
responders for mine emergencies.  He was born in Waynesburg, PA, and is
a graduate of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy.

Fatality #12 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On June 20, 2009, a 52-year old equipment oiler/greaser with 24 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground salt mine. He was cleaning equipment when a large roof fall occurred.

Best Practices
  • When ground conditions create a hazard to persons, install effective ground support before other work is permitted in the affected area.
  • Design, install, and maintain a support system to control the ground in places where persons work or travel.
  • Examine and test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed prior to work commencing and as ground conditions warrant during the shift.
  • Be alert to any change of ground conditions.
  • Identify and scale loose ground from a location which will not expose persons to falling material.

Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

Fatality #11 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On June 11, 2009, a 57-year old mechanic with 31 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground lead/zinc mine while checking for a hydraulic leak on a loader. The victim leaned into the ejector plate relief port in the back of the loader bucket. The ejector plate of the bucket was retracted, crushing him against the back of the bucket.

Best Practices
  • Train persons to recognize work place hazards.
  • Establish safe work procedures before a task is performed.
  • Securely block equipment and components against hazardous motion at all times while performing maintenance work.
  • If equipment and components are to be moved, always verify persons are aware and in a safe location prior to movement.
  • Consult and follow the manufacturer's recommended safe work procedures for the maintenance task.

 
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

Fatality #10 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On June 6, 2009, a 57-year old surface driller with 27 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface gold mine. The victim was drilling in a pit, exited the drill, and was walking in the drill area when he was struck by a flatbed truck as it backed up. The truck was in the area to collect drill cutting sample bags.

Best Practices
  • Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no one is in the intended path.
  • Sound the horn to warn persons of movement and wait to give them time to get to a safe location.
  • Operate mobile equipment at reduced speeds in work areas.
  • Do not operate mobile equipment in reverse for extended distances when it is possible to travel forward.
  • Be aware of the location of mobile equipment in your work area before exiting your equipment.
  • Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
  • Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
  • Train all miners to recognize work place hazards.

Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

Funny Break Photo

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Okay, like just about every other PowerPoint presenter, I don't know what we did as trainers before the internet, but since it's here we all use those funny photos you can find everywhere. I was conducting MSHA Refresher training on Friday and got a request for sharing this photo that I use to let us know it's time to take a break, or a stretch as I labeled the slide. It occured to me that this would be another great way to use the blog. So, if you're in one of my classes and had a favorite part of the class OTHER than what I was actually trying to get across, you'll probably find it here eventually. Of course, I'm not going to share them before I get some mileage out of them in class. Though most everyone enjoys these no matter how many times they see them.


Just click on the Category HUMOR and you'll be able to find all the funny stuff eventually. At this posting you'll only find two, but there's more to come.

Mining Fatality Update

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After posting the most recent fatality I had an AHA! moment. If I posted all the fatalities and tag them with some basic labels like type of mine, equipment, etc. I would end up with a database that is easily searchable for not only fatalities, but other important relative information. For example, click on loader in the tag section and it will show you all posts with loader fatalities along with other information posted about loaders. Neat, huh?


So I'm going to continue to post fatalities. In fact, I'm going to go back and add the previous fatalgrams as I get time here. I'll post new ones as soon as I can after the fatalgram is posted. Then I'll go back and add the link to the investigation when that is posted as well. Of course it will all be even better if you add your comments. So go ahead. Comment.