The Florida Mine Safety Program recently earned national attention during an NPR broadcast on Kentucky Public Radio, showcasing its key role in improving surface mine safety. Featured in the segment titled “After a Deadly Year at Surface Mines, Officials are Emphasizing More Training,” Karen Miller, Mining Program Manager, shared how Florida, a state without any underground mines, has become a leader in surface mine safety. What began as a simple request from the regional MSHA director five years ago has now grown into the largest surface mine competition in the country. Miller and her team embraced the challenge, creating a competition that brings together 20 rescue teams each year to sharpen essential skills and save lives.
Karen Miller’s passion for miner safety was clear as she described the importance of practical, hands-on training. While the underground national competition focuses on dangers like toxic gases, Florida’s competition hones in on surface-specific threats such as firefighting, first aid, and vehicle rescue. Her vision doesn’t stop there—Miller hopes to launch the first-ever national surface mine competition next year, continuing to lead the way in ensuring miners are well-prepared to be the first line of defense in life-threatening situations.
Listen to the full broadcast here: https://www.lpm.org/news/2024-09-03/after-a-deadly-year-at-surface-mines-officials-are-emphasizing-more-training
*Photo by Justin Hicks