MSHA Introduces a New Tool for Miners' Representatives
The handbook and online resource will help miners’ representatives in implementing satisfactory safety and health programs
MSHA has announced the release of “The Miners’ Representative Guide,” a tool that expands on their 2011 text, “Guide to Miners’ Rights and Responsibilities,” according to a press release from MSHA. The guide expands upon the information presented in the 2011 guide.
In an effort to ensure miners and their representatives have sufficient knowledge of their rights, and in an attempt to decrease workplace deaths and injuries, MSHA released the updated guide.
The guide covers several health and safety topics, including reporting hazardous conditions and dangers, accident investigations, health and safety training, petitions for modification of a safety standard, rights to information and records, civil penalties and requests, and understanding the elements of discrimination. The clause about discrimination is of particular importance, in that several discrimination fears were brought up during congressional hearings pertaining to the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster.
Miner representatives travel with and assist on federal inspections, fill out hazard complaints, play a role in litigation procedures under the Mine Act and more. A representative can be defined as a person, group or organization that has been designed by 2+ miners to represent their health and safety.
For more information, visit: http://www.msha.gov/media/PRESS/2013/NR130925.asp