May 2026 Newsletter
May in Mine Safety – Injury Rate Reached Historic Low, Highlights & More 👉 https://conta.cc/4vjVcru
Save the date: 2026 FLSME Scholarship BBQ, April 11th
Come out and support the future of mining engineering at the annual FLSME BBQ Fundraiser! Enjoy a BBQ dinner, grilled sweet corn, an open bar, live music, games, and exciting door prizes! Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day in support of a great cause. ✅When: Saturday, April 11th, 5-9pm ✅Where: Bartow Civic…
Freeze Thaw Hazards – Safety Alert
Freeze-thaw cycles rapidly change ground and workplace conditions, creating hazards for miners. Water freezing in cracks expands and loosens material, increasing the risk of rock falls, highwall failures, and unstable roadways. Ice, mud, and poor traction make travel hazardous. Unrecognized freeze-thaw hazards have contributed to serious mining injuries and fatalities. Read the full safety alert…
2026 Surface Mining Emergency Response Training & Competition Winners Announced
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients! These teams were recognized for outstanding performance, teamwork, and technical skill during this year’s competition. Their achievements reflect the high standards of preparedness and coordination required in mine rescue and emergency response operations. We commend all teams for their hard work and dedication throughout the week. Special Awards Act…
Act of Bravery Miner Hero Award Presented to Steven Lipscomb
Steven M. Lipscomb November 28, 1982 – November 8, 2025Elkview, West Virginia During this year’s Surface Mining Emergency Response Training and Competition, we paused to honor the life and sacrifice of Steven M. Lipscomb, a Marine Corps veteran and dedicated miner from Elkview, West Virginia. Steven Lipscomb lost his life while rescuing members of his…
Photos & Videos Coming Soon: Florida’s 7th Annual Surface Mining ERT Training & Competition
If you attended Florida’s 7th Annual Surface Mining Emergency Response Team (ERT) Training and Competition, you already know it was a strong showing of teamwork, preparedness, and hands-on skill-building. We’ve heard from many of you and yes, we know everyone is eager to see the photos and videos from the event. Here’s the update: All…
Competition Week Update: Days 1–3
The first three days of the 7th Annual Surface Mining Emergency Response Training and Competition are underway at the Florida Public Safety Institute in Havana. This year’s event has brought together ten regional mine rescue teams for a week of training, evaluation, and hands-on emergency response scenarios designed to strengthen preparedness across surface mining operations.…
Ammonia (NH3) – Health Alert
Exposure to high levels of ammonia can cause serious health effects involving the eyes, lungs, and skin. Miners working with or around ammonia should take caution. Use engineering controls, such as ventilation, and if respirators are in use, ensure that an ammonia-specific filter cartridge is used. Ammonia at Mine Sites Ammonia is used on mine…
September 8, 2025 Fatality – Final Report
A contract haul truck driver was injured while dumping a load of material at the top of a stockpile. The ground under the truck failed causing the truck to overturn onto its cab. The driver died later from his injuries. Best Practices: Construct substantial berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks, or similar impeding devices at dumping…
MSHA Virtual Job Fair – February 26, 2026
On February 26th, 2026, MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) will be holding a virtual job fair to help connect mine operators with job seekers seeking employment in the mining industry. The event will be held over the platform WebEx where mine operators will have a half hour to give a brief introduction to…