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MSHA News Release: [07/19/2004]
Contact Name: Suzy
Bohnert
Phone Number: (202) 693-9420
MSHA and Ironworkers Union Form Safety Alliance
ARLINGTON, Va.—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) today announced the development of a
safety alliance with the International Association of Bridge, Structural,
Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers to foster safe and healthy working
conditions at U.S. mining operations.
“We are delighted to have the support of the Ironworkers union to
help MSHA promote improved safety and health conditions for workers at American
mining operations,” said Dave D. Lauriski, assistant secretary of labor
for mine safety and health. “Alliances with substantive, positive and
active labor organizations, such as the Ironworkers, give the mining industry
another organization that will focus energy and resources on improving safety
and health conditions. The Ironworkers will help MSHA meet its goal of sending
every miner home safe and healthy after each shift.”
“Our union is committed to safety. Working closely with MSHA
furthers that commitment,” said Ironworkers International General
President Joseph J. Hunt. “This new alliance will help to improve the
safety of our worksites; that benefits our signatory union contractors and all
the members of our international union.”
Under the alliance, the Ironworkers union will work cooperatively with
MSHA to enhance mine safety. The two groups will collaborate on worker safety
and health improvement techniques in structural steel erection, welding,
reinforcing, fall protection and concrete erection. Both organizations will
work together on mine emergency response, and rescue and recovery techniques
for construction and demolition sites.
MSHA and the Ironworkers will develop training programs for employees
working on or near mine construction projects. Each will promote a national
dialogue on mine safety and health issues and share information on best
practices.
“We are fortunate to have the support of an organization that makes
the safety and health of working men and women a priority,” Lauriski
added.
Established in 1896, the Ironworkers union has approximately 140,000
members.
The alliance with the Ironworkers is the second mine safety and health
agreement MSHA has developed with a labor organization. MSHA signed an alliance
agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers in January
2004.
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