It is the small mines, those that have under ten employees, that face the biggest challenges in complying with health and safety standards in the workplace. According to MSHA Alliance co-chairs Neal Merrifield, of MSHA, and Louis Griesemer, of Springfield Underground, there is help available for these operators.
MSHA’s Educational Field and Small Mine Services (EFSMS) exists to assist operators in the development or improvement of health and safety programmes, and works closely with district enforcement offices to identify industry needs and provide mines with assistance regarding health and safety issues.
Merrifiels and Griesemer told industry executives, in a recent Alliance newsletter, that personnel do not inspect operations or issue citations. The EFSMS instead offers a range of services that help to reduce accidents and provide a comprehensive analysis of how a facility can provide health and safety training and compliance with standards.
The EFSMS can also hand out Toolbox Talks on dozens of key topics, including:
Conveyor safety.Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden