Government Links
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
The mission of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is to administer the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), as amended by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act), and to enforce compliance with mandatory safety and health standards as a means to eliminate fatal accidents; to reduce the frequency and severity of nonfatal accidents; to minimize health hazards; and to promote improved safety and health conditions in the Nation's mines.
- NIOSH
NIOSH's mission is to eliminate mining fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through research and prevention. They are a division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They have a long and rich history of advancing mine worker safety and health. Their program began in 1910 when Congress created the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Acts of 1969 and 1977 (http://www.msha.gov/regs/act/mineact77.pdf) charged the Bureau of Mines with conducting mine safety and health research. Both NIOSH and the Bureau of Mines have contributed significant safety improvements to the mining industry.
- U.S. Mine Rescue Association
The United States Mine Rescue Association has become the largest mine rescue organization in the world. A long-time advocate for improved mine rescue training, the association membership has grown to more than 2,400. Membership currently represents 47 US states and territories and 61 foreign nations. Unlike other organizations of this type, the USMRA places emphasis on the individuals which make up mine rescue teams rather than catering to their employers and service company representatives. The USMRA is not affiliated with any state agency or the federal government. Their unbiased approach to the subject of emergency preparedness and response has allowed them to provide a more pure overview of the state of mine rescue in the United States as well as the world.
- Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association
The Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association (JAHSA) is a nonprofit organization that began in 1916 to promote health and safety in the mining industry and consists of representatives from Federal and State Governments, Mining Organizations and Labor. As part of this effort, the Association publishes the Bulletin several times a year, full of useful safety and health information.
Academic Links
- Emergency Preparedness Center, West Virginia University
Established in 1992, The Emergency Preparedness Center is dedicated to preparing coal miners to handle emergency conditions. Mine fire safety, confined space operations, industrial firefighting, hazardous materials awareness and mine rescue team training is provided. Our programs consists of not only classroom instruction, but also the more important hands-on exercises.
- Minerals Industry Safety & Health Centre, University of Queensland
MISHC is one of six centres that comprise the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) within The University of Queensland. During its first five years of operation, MISHC was financially supported by a number of major mining companies, along with in-kind support from the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy. The original companies providing financial support currently operate as Anglo Coal Australia Ltd, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. The Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre (MISHC) celebrated its 10 year anniversary in 2008.