The National Mining Association (NMA) has launched the second in a series of new safety initiatives to raise awareness and provide training tools aimed at sustaining continued improvement in safety performance at mining facilities. NMA President and CEO Hal Quinn: “As part of the mining community’s on-going effort to further improve health and safety at the nation’s underground and surface mines through greater safety awareness, improved training and advanced technology, the NMA is launching the ‘Safety First: Stay Alert’ safety initiative – aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities at mining facilities.”

The NMA and its member company safety professionals developed these safety awareness materials based on analyses of actual accident reports. The materials highlight specific actions that should be avoided to prevent accidents and injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls on mine property. Between 2004 and 2008, 36 miners lost their lives in accidents resulting from a slip or fall. “These accidents are preventable if generally accepted and proven preventative measures are followed,” NMA Senior Vice President for Regulatory Affairs Bruce Watzman said.

“Our goal at NMA is to continue to be proactive in advancing the safety and health of our fellow miners, and this program addresses an identified need. NMA is providing these materials to the safety directors at NMA member companies and making them available to all U.S. mining companies as part of our commitment to bring every miner home safely at the end of every shift; this initiative is part of our industry’s larger efforts that have helped to make 2008 a record-breaking year for safety in U.S. coal and minerals mines,” Quinn concluded.