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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2006
Recent Mining Accidents Prompt New Safety Initiative
Jefferson City – As a result of the fatal mining accidents in West Virginia earlier this year, the Missouri Division of Labor Standards’ Mine and Cave Safety and Health Program began a “Mine Safety Walk and Talk” initiative in an effort to bring additional attention to safety in the mining industry. Mine safety staff members have visited 163 mines since the initiative began in February.
“We are extremely pleased with the feedback we’ve received on this initiative from mine owners and workers throughout Missouri. One mine completely shut down their operation so all their employees could hear our presentation,” said Allen Dillingham, Director of the Division of Labor Standards. “Our goal with this initiative is to increase safety awareness and decrease the risk for mining accidents.”
Over the past month, mine safety staff members have given 163 safety and health presentations to 1,679 mine employees. Presentations include topics on accident prevention methods, hazard awareness and fire and evacuation procedures.
The Mine and Cave Safety and Health Program provides no-cost training and consultation to mine owners and workers, as well as contractors, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration. Consultation provides services in the areas of training and training plan development, mine rescue, hazard awareness and abatement, risk assessment and alternative solutions to mine hazard abatement. The program’s mine safety instructors trained more than 5,700 Missouri miners in federal fiscal year 2005. Missouri has approximately 450 mines.
The program will continue to visit mines throughout the state to promote the safety initiative. For additional information regarding the Mine Safety Program, or other workplace safety questions, please call (573) 751-3403 or visit us on the web at www.dolir.mo.gov/ls.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)