Grant Funds Safety Outreach for 105 Missouri Mines
The Mine and Cave Safety Section of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Division of Labor Standards received a supplemental federal grant of $15,000 that will enhance its "Walk and Talk Program" of safety training. The series of three 15-minute courses will be delivered by instructors/inspectors visiting at least 105 mines statewide; those mines employ as many as 600 miners, the department said.
"The 'Walk and Talk Program' will provide our instructors access to mines currently not utilizing the department's training program," said Director Todd Smith. "That initial contact will help market the program, give miners and contractors a sample of the training they can expect to receive, and in the process, possibly reduce the number of mining accidents, deaths, and injuries. The program also will allow the management of the mine site or contractor to understand the basics of the training program and request various training needs from the Mine and Cave Safety Program."
This intervention is targeted for small mines, contract miners, and mines without training programs. "The goal is to provide quick and easy, yet quality training to those miners. Although specific, the target audience is large, as more companies are applying for mining permits. Through assistance from the federal grant, the program is fully equipped and our staff is ready to provide value-added training to reduce mining accidents and prevent injuries and fatalities," the department's release stated.
For more information, visit www.dolir.mo.gov/ls/minesafety/training.htm or e-mail [email protected].