Training can provide these key skills and knowledge. MSHA offers many different types of training assistance to the mining industry and to labor, including special assistance for small mining operations where safety and health training needs have been identified. At small mines, which generally have much higher accident rates than larger operations, selected MSHA training specialists provide specific training assistance to management and workers.

MSHA education and training officials also contribute significantly to the development of programs to carry out Federal miner training rules. Among other types of aid, MSHA assists industry representatives during periodic contests to test and improve skills of company mine rescue teams that someday may be called upon during a mine emergency.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 clearly establishes training as an important tool for preventing accidents and avoiding unsafe and unhealthful working conditions. The act authorizes MSHA to "expand programs of education and training of operators...and miners..."

MSHA requires that each U.S. mine operator have an approved plan for miner training. This plan must include:

• 40 hours of basic safety and health training for new miners who have no underground mining experience, before they begin work underground;
  
  
• 24 hours of basic safety and health training for new miners who have no surface mining experience, before they begin work at surface mining operations;
  
  
• eight hours of refresher safety and health training for all miners, each year; and
  
  
• safety-related task training for miners assigned to new jobs.
  
  

MSHA's National Mine Health and Safety Academy at Beckley, WV, is the world's largest educational institution devoted solely to safety and health in mining. The academy serves as the central training facility for federal mine inspectors and mine safety professionals from other government agencies, the mining industry and labor.

Courses are offered on safety and inspection procedures, accident prevention, investigations, industrial hygiene, mine emergency procedures, technology, management techniques, and other topics.

Besides providing classroom instruction, the academy staff produces videotapes, films, publications, and a wide variety of technical materials. The academy also provides field training and serves as a technical resource to help meet the mining community's instructional needs.

The academy's physical plant has classrooms, a simulated mine and laboratories that can accommodate up to 600 students, a large auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium, and a residence hall with dormitory space for over 300 persons.

Educational Field Services (EFS)

MSHA created the Educational Field Services program to optimize the Agency's resources for improving health and safety training to the mining industry. EFS emphasizes the importance of education and training in reducing mining accidents and workplace illnesses.

EFS training specialists work closely with mine management, miners and mine instructors to develop training methods to improve safety and health. These specialists then coordinate agency resources to best meet each mine's individual needs.

In addition to averaging 120 mine visits per week, EFS training specialists work with mining associations, safety organizations, labor unions and educational institutions to establish partnerships and network resources.

MSHA makes available many training publications, manuals, courses, films and videotapes, and other materials through the academy and the Agency's district offices.  Some of the products available include:

• small mine operator safety kits to assist operators of small underground coal mines in controlling workplace hazards generally found at mines employing 50 or fewer workers;
  
  
• training materials on safe operation of powered haulage targeted for industry personnel who operate haulage trucks or other types of mobile surface mining equipment;
  
  
• training materials on health issues, including silicosis prevention, diesel exhaust gases and particulate matter, pneumoconiosis (black lung) and other respirable dust programs.  Some programs focus on "best practices" techniques developed cooperatively by labor, management and government groups.
  
  
• comprehensive training modules and a videotape on accepted job safety analysis methods and step-by-step miner task training procedures for use by supervisors and foremen in diverse types of mining;
  
  
• course materials that review basic ventilation principles and practices for underground coal mines;
  
  
• a training program featuring slides that illustrate fatal accidents in mining in recent years.
  
  
• A monthly bulletin that features articles on topical health and safety issues.

For more information on MSHA training programs, contact:

• Director, Educational Policy and Development, MSHA Headquarters, Arlington, VA,
  (202) 693-9571;
  
  
• Superintendent, National Mine Health and Safety Academy, Beckley, WV,
  (304) 256-3200;
  
  
• Educational Field Services
  Eastern Region Manager
  Beckley, W.Va.
  (304) 256-3223
  
  Western Region Manager
  Denver, Colo.
  (303) 231-5941



• Program Education and Outreach Services, MSHA Headquarters, Arlington, VA,
  (202) 693-9400; or
  
  
• Your local MSHA office. (Check your local phone book under "U.S. Government."
)


• The MSHA home page on the World Wide Web through an Internet on-line service.