NIOSH Publication No. 2002-156


Releasing the Energy of Workers to Create a Safer Workplace: The Value of Using Mentors to Enhance Safety Training

September 2002

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The mentor/learner model is a time-honored approach to teaching, including within the mining industry. Miners know when they see excellence and have a deep respect for experts in their field. By using expert miners as mentors to other, less-experienced miners, training programs can be developed that will have a legitimacy and credibility that resonates with those being trained. Building upon concepts in current theories of adult education, this paper highlights the unique advantages of using mentoring as a teaching method that can make the educational experience both interesting and effective. Current NIOSH safety training materials use these concepts to deliver effective adult learning experiences for workers in the mining industry.

Author(s):Camm-TW, Cullen-ET
Reference:In: Peters R, ed. Strategies for Improving Miners Training. Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-156, Information Circular 9463, 2002 Sep :35-38;

   IC9463 (PDF, 492 KB)


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Page last updated: September 17, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division