Released Tuesday, June 24, 2003

MSHA, Safety Organization Form Safety and Health Alliance

DENVER, Colo. (June 24, 2003) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has formed a safety and health alliance with the American Society of Safety Engineers, a 30,000-member professional society. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health John R. Correll and ASSE President Mark E. Hansen signed the new Alliance Agreement today at the ASSE Professional Development Conference (PDC) and Exposition here.

"This agreement is a another significant step in our efforts to make safety and health a value in the U.S. mining industry, our first with a professional organization," said Dave D. Lauriski, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health. "MSHA and the ASSE will work closely to foster a culture of accident prevention in mines nationwide."

"ASSE has long supported MSHA's mission to increase mine safety, " Hansen said. "This alliance marks a new opportunity, allowing ASSE to better link the professionalism of its members to MSHA's efforts to continue to improve its capabilities in ensuring safer and healthier workplaces for miners."

MSHA and ASSE have agreed to use their collaborative efforts and expertise to protect miners, promote best practices, and encourage mine operators to develop and utilize safety and health management programs.

"MSHA uses three fundamental tools to improve miner safety and health, which we call the Triangle of Success: enforcement, education and training, and technical assistance," Correll said. "This partnership strengthens our education and training efforts. Our common goal is to send every miner home safe and healthy at the end of their work day."

The agreement between MSHA and the ASSE is the latest such alliance agreement in the mining industry. ASSE members manage, supervise and consult on safety, health, and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. MSHA is dedicated to preventing fatalities, injuries and illnesses in America's mines. For more information, visit www.msha.gov.