Fifteen miners have died on the job in 2021, with seven of the fatalities involving workers who had less than two years of experience, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA.)
In response to the deaths, Sam Pierce, acting administrator for enforcement at MSHA, said training is of utmost importance and that “… we need to do something different.”
During a MSHA stakeholders call, Tim Watkins, deputy administrator for enforcement at MSHA, said, “As we look at these fatalities, what sticks out to me is decisions. The decisions that were made to do what they were doing at the time the accident happened. The best way to make good decisions is through training. If you’ve had the proper MSHA training, then you’re going to make proper decisions, recognize the hazards.
MSHA urges employers to train miners to:
- Follow established policies and procedures.
- Comply with MSHA-approved plans.
- Recognize and eliminate hazards before beginning work.
- Understand safe job procedures and tasks.
- Use personal protective equipment.
- Stay out of hoppers, cyclones and chutes.
Easybook Training offers a range of online instructor led MSHA courses that employers and workers can book, including:
ONLINE MSHA TRAINING COURSES:
Instructor Led MSHA Part 46 Annual Refresher Training Course
Instructor Led MSHA Part 46 New Miner Training Course
Instructor Led MSHA Part 48 Annual Refresher Training Course
Instructor Led MSHA Part 48 New Miner Training Course
For more on MSHA training and MSHA courses, visit www.easybooktraining.com
