The Mine Act requires that every operator of an underground mine assure the availability of mine rescue teams for purposes of emergency rescue and recovery of trapped or injured miners. Mine rescue contests and simulations are an essential part of the training process, and ensure that teams receive hands-on exposure to a range of potential hazards…
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration awarded 47 states and the Navajo Nation a total of $8,441,000 in funds to support safety and health training courses and other programs to reduce mining accidents, injuries and illnesses. Grant recipients will use the funds to provide miners with federally mandated training with each recipient…
The Florida Mine Safety Program attended the 2016 Southeast Region Mine Rescue Contest June 20-24 in Maysville, Kentucky. Teams participated in the contest to test and sharpen their skills in response to mining emergencies. See pictures from the event See video from the event
Along with the Florida Mine Safety Program, MSHA Assistant Secretary Joe Main and Deputy Assistant Secretary Laura McClintock attended the 46th Southern Regional Mine Rescue Classic. The contest was held May 2–5 at the SugArena at Acadiana Fairgrounds in New Iberia, Louisiana. The mine rescue contest allows participants to actively train and test their skills,…
Six years and one day after an explosion at Upper Big Branch Mine, Raleigh County, WV, claimed the lives of 29 miners, former Massey Energy CEO, Don Blankenship, was sentenced to a year in federal prison and ordered to pay a $250,000.00 fine, an amount well above what the federal sentencing guidelines recommend. Following his…
Since 2011, 16 metal and nonmetal miners have died in accidents involving machinery and non-haulage mobile and quarry equipment, and many more have been seriously injured or disabled. Of the 16 persons fatally injured, six were supervisors and three were contractors. Seven miners died when they were struck by the equipment they or a co-worker…
Governor Rick Scott declared January 4-8, 2016 “Florida First Responder Appreciation Week”, and on Thursday the 7th, Tallahassee Community College’s Public Safety Institute, hosted a ceremony honoring them. Prayer, song, applause, and the whirring of a helicopter flyover filled the ears of those who attended the event. First responders from all across the Big Bend…