U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration 1100 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

ISSUE DATE: JUNE 24, 2003

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P03-11

FROM:           RAY McKINNEY
                       Administrator for
                         for Coal Mine Safety and Health

                      JEFFREY A. DUNCAN
                      Director of
                         Educational Policy and Development

SUBJECT:     Experienced Coal Miner Fatalities

Scope
This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) applies to coal mine operators, miners' representatives, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement personnel, and other interested parties.

Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the mining community of a hazard associated with experienced miners who have recently changed jobs and are working at a different mine.

Information
MSHA has noticed that experienced coal miners are at an increased risk of a fatal accident soon after an employment change to a different mine. Over the past ten years, approximately 40% of coal mine fatalities occur within one year of starting work at a mine. Decreasing mine lifespans and the increased mobility of the coal-mining workforce contribute to this problem. MSHA encourages the mining industry to focus their attention on this troubling statistic and provide enhanced training for these experienced miners to better address this hazard. Additional information and a downloadable PowerPoint® training presentation may be found at http://www.msha.gov/REGS/COMPLIAN/PIB/2003/pib03-11attach.htm.

Background
Coal mining is an inherently hazardous occupation and the need for specialized training has long been a regulatory requirement for new miners. Recent studies have also identified an increased risk of fatal injuries for experienced coal miners within the first year of employment at a specific mine. Additional training to address the site-specific hazards and practices at these mines would better protect these experienced miners.

Authority
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and 30 C.F.R. §48.6.

Contact Person(s)
Coal Mine Safety and Health Administration
Erik Sherer, (202) 693-9523
E-mail: Sherer.Hubert@dol.gov

Internet Availability
This information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing http://www.msha.gov/REGS/COMPLIAN/PIB/2003/pib03-11.htm.

Distribution
MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders
Underground Coal Mine Operators
Surface Coal Mine Operators
Coal Special Interest Groups