MSHA Inspectors Getting FBI Training
Eighteen accident investigators and special investigators are taking a two-week course on conducting accident investigations.
Eighteen of MSHA's accident investigators and special investigators are taking a two-week course facilitated by the FBI Laboratory's Evidence Response Team Unit, the agency announced Oct. 2. The invstigators' pilot training program began Sept. 24 and will continue through Oct. 5 at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, W.Va.
MSHA's announcement said the course covers securing an accident scene, photographing and sketching, collecting and packaging evidence, conducting interviews, dealing with false or altered records, and releasing the scene. "This training will help improve MSHA investigators' skills and knowledge to conduct investigations under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, including willful violations of the Mine Act, as well as accident investigations," said Joe Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "In the event an accident investigation identifies possible criminal activities, MSHA's investigators will be better prepared to interact with the Department of Justice."
"MSHA's accident investigation team has a very difficult and challenging job," said FBI Laboratory Director D. Christian Hassell. "Its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the evidence collected during the course of their investigations is commendable. The FBI is pleased to work with this group of dedicated professionals, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with MSHA as the agency enhances its training program."