Nashville's International Mine Rescue Conference a First
MSHA said yesterday it will host the third biennial International Mine Rescue Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center in Nashville, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, the first time the conference will be held in the United States. The event will coincide with the biennial National Coal Mine Rescue, First Aid and Bench Competition, in which top rescue teams compete in events that mirror some of the topics being discussed by international participants.
"We are honored to host the third International Mine Rescue Conference for mining professionals from around the world who share MSHA's goal of efficient, safe and successful mine rescue," said Richard E. Stickler, the agency's chief. "The conference provides a unique opportunity for American mine rescue experts and their international counterparts to discuss mine rescue techniques and other issues relevant to the enhanced safety and health of working miners everywhere."
The theme of the international conference is "Effective Mine Emergency Operations." Participants will discuss emergency command center operations, the effects of stress and fatigue on emergency decision-making, and management and mobilization of mine rescue teams. The first International Mine Rescue Conference was held in South Africa in October 2003 and the second in Sydney, Australia, in November 2005 with more than 100 delegates attending, MSHA said.