Contact Us
Education and Training
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Educational Field and Small Mine Services
Educational Field and Small Mine Services (EFSMS) provides assistance in the development or improvement of the health and safety programs of mine operators and contractors in the mining community. The EFSMS specializes in developing programs tailored to reduce the number of injuries and illness' in the mining industry. Additionally, the EFSMS group evaluates industry instructors to ensure miners receive quality and effective training.
EFSMS staff are located in 35 states and travel extensively to mines and training centers to provide assistance that will strengthen and modernize training.
EFSMS staff are located in 35 states and travel extensively to mines and training centers to provide assistance that will strengthen and modernize training.
EFSMS works closely with MSHA District enforcement offices to identify industry needs and provide assistance to mines with safety and health issues. The assistance provided by EFSMS ranges from national accident reduction programs to a mine specific comprehensive analysis such as Training Makes a Difference (TMD). These programs help mine operators develop or revise training, safety and health programs to address the conditions and hazards specific to their mines. Additionally, EFSMS provides assistance with developing training plans, instructor training (train-the-trainer), instructor monitoring and approval, Job Task Analysis (JTA), and training demonstrations using Mobile Safety Training Units.
Services We Provide
- Providing regulatory assistance
- Conducting training program analysis
- Approving Part 46 training plans
- Providing concentrated assistance to mines with greater need; at these mines EFSMS implements programs such as Training Makes a Difference and Job Task Analysis
- Providing training to miners, managers, and other stakeholders
- Monitoring and assisting industry instructors to develop and improve their skills
- Participating in accident investigations and providing expertise on safety and training issues surrounding the accident to determine root causes
- Forming partnerships with associations and other entities to increase focus on safety and health issues in the industry
- Assisting with the development and growth of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association
- Providing information at public forums such as health and safety conferences and outreach programs
A series of weekly ToolBox talks that can be used by small mine operators and others to hold safety and health discussions for their employees at their mining operations. EFSMS hopes these ToolBox talks will help small mine operators and their miners to keep safety and health at the forefront of their daily and weekly activities.
MSHA has a policy that communications with the agency about safety and health regulations or other safety and health related subjects shall not trigger enforcement action. This policy reflects the fact that the agency's objective is to provide assistance to help operators prevent and reduce workplace fatalities, illnesses and injuries.
MSHA has just announced the allocation of over $8 million in federal health and safety training grants. MSHA will be developing a training resource on this site for Part 46 & Part 48 trainers. Click the link above to view more information and join the conversation about the best ways to deliver training that keeps miners safe and healthy.