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Coal Mine Safety Training

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was created in 1978 by the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. MSHA monitors mining safety issues for over 2,000 coal mines in the United States and focuses on injury prevention. According to MSHA, “education and training for the mining industry is crucial to the reduction of accidents and illnesses.”

  1. Regulatory Requirements

    • The federal regulations MSHA uses to outline training requirements are 30CFR Part 46, Training and Retraining of Miners Engaged in Shell Dredging and 30CFR Part 48, Training and Retraining of Miners.

    Training Academy

    • The National Mine Health and Safety Academy is responsible for providing required training. The academy is located in Beaver, West Virginia and is the “central training facility for federal mine inspectors, mine safety professionals, the mining industry and labor.”

    Training Materials

    • A variety of training materials are available for study. Product catalogs, pocket cards, safety bulletins and several toolboxes can be downloaded from the MSHA website. The MSHA library collections and a variety of video tapes, CDs and DVDs are available by mail.

    Training Courses and Programs

    • The National Mine Health and Safety Academy offers training courses for journeyman level metal/nonmetal and coal mine inspectors and advanced training for experienced inspectors. In addition to training at the academy, seminars, workshops and conferences are offered at sites across the country. The Mine Simulation Laboratory is an above-ground simulator for hands-on training. It provides realistic scenario-driven training without the dangers involved in a real mine.

    Compliance Assistance

    • The Mine Emergency Response Development (MERD) program provides guidelines for conducting a mine rescue. This program is a practical exercise that allows mining companies to evaluate their training, safety procedures and compliance with regulations. Small mining companies that cannot afford to employ a full-time safety and health professional can get compliance assistance from the Small Mine Office (SMO). The SMO provides advice on how to develop and maintain an economical and effective safety training program.

    Associations

    • The Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association (JAHSA) was founded in 1916 by leading mining organizations to promote mine safety and health. JAHSA gives safety and merit awards to individual workers and mining companies for longevity without lost time accidents.

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