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MSHA News Release: [01/23/2007]
Contact Name: Amy Louviere or Dirk
Fillpot
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x9423 and x9406
Release
Number: 07-0120-NAT
MSHA, Equipment Makers Form Safety and Health Alliance
Arlington, VA. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) today signed an alliance agreement to work together to improve safety and health at the nation's mining operations.
"This agreement between MSHA and AEM is another step this agency is taking to make safety and health the number one priority for the mining industry," said Richard E. Stickler, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "MSHA and AEM will work closely together to address issues related to mining equipment safety and, thereby, foster an improvement in safety and health for working miners."
MSHA and AEM have agreed to use their collaborative effort and expertise to provide miners who operate and maintain equipment with information, guidance, and access to resources that will help protect miner health and safety. This agreement will focus on the proper use of restraining devices like seat belts, and it will also concentrate on hazards such as slips/falls from equipment, equipment roll-overs and tip-overs, operator fatigue, equipment fires, and equipment misuse.
AEM is the international trade and business development resource for companies that manufacture equipment, products and services used worldwide in the construction, agricultural, mining, forestry and utility industries. MSHA is the federal agency charged with inspection of mining operations nationwide for adherence to regulations designed to protect the safety and health of working miners.
Among other activities under the agreement, MSHA and AEM will:
- Develop and disseminate training materials, including DVD's, posters, stickers, and fliers, and educational programs to maintain and operate equipment in a safe and healthful manner.
- Identify the best practices to operate and maintain mining equipment.
- Distribute information to the mining community and develop innovative ways to effectively convey hazard warnings and messages.
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