The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is holding its first-ever “Stand Down to Save Lives” event from May 15-19. The campaign aims to promote the importance of miner safety and health and stop the alarming rise in the number of miners killed on the job this year. As of now, 18 miners have suffered fatal workplace injuries at U.S. mines, six more than at this point last year.
MSHA is calling on the mining industry to increase its focus on training, workplace examinations, and other safety and health requirements designed to protect miners. The agency encourages miners, operators, and unions to set aside time during the week to stress the importance of safety and health in and around U.S. mines.
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On May 17, MSHA leadership will be visiting mines in Maryland and Virginia to stress the importance of safety in the workplace. Federal law holds mine owners and operators responsible for proper training, adequate personal protective equipment, and safe operation of equipment and machinery.
The campaign follows an open letter from Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson to the mining community in April. He urged everyone to work together and stay vigilant to prevent accidents and fatalities.
In support of the Stand Down to Save Lives campaign, MSHA has established a webpage with resources for the mining community. The page includes a toolkit for participants to use during the week’s events. MSHA also asks mine operators and miners to focus on improving safety and health programs, maintenance of equipment, hazard reporting, training, and workplace examinations.
The agency has also developed the Miner Safety & Health app to assist miners in receiving timely information directly. The app provides users with information on miners’ rights and responsibilities, best safety and health practices, and notifications of mining accidents and how to prevent them. The free app is available in English and Spanish for Android or iPhone.
MSHA’s inaugural “Stand Down to Save Lives” event serves as an important reminder that the mining industry must prioritize safety and health to prevent accidents and fatalities. Through increased focus and education, the entire mining community can work together to protect the nation’s miners and promote a safer and healthier workplace.
