You’ve worked construction on commercial projects but didn’t like the seasonal layoffs so you applied to work at a mine because the work is steadier and pays well. So, you decided to apply for work at a mine. And they said yes! Well, being a miner is just like a construction worker only different, namely because of new miner safety training. The construction world you just left is governed safety wise by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), while mining is governed by Mine Safety Health Act (MSHA). Both MSHA and OSHA are governmental agencies charged with making sure employers provide safe working environments for their employees. However, MSHA is a slightly different animal.
MSHA requires new miner safety training BEFORE a new miner can handle a shovel, operate equipment or do anything on the mine site. Second, you likely worked in construction and never saw OSHA though you may have heard of it. Working on the mine you WILL see an MSHA inspector. MSHA law requires each mine site be inspected by an MSHA inspector 2 times a year (for surface metal/nonmetal) and 4 times each year for coal (surface or underground).
The safety training:
So, let’s talk about new miner safety training. Before you can do anything on the mine work wise MSHA requires what is called “New Miner” training. This training is important for your health and safety. Pay attention. Some of the topics covered include hazard recognition, emergency procedures, electrical hazards, statutory rights of miners as well as new task training. Other new miner training topics includes safety on ladders and stairs, hazard identification and LOTO. Sounds like a lot of information but don’t panic. Just pay attention and learn. This training is designed to help you stay safe on the mine site.
During the first 12 months working as miner you are deemed an “inexperienced miner” so there will be an “experienced miner” who will watch over you. (No, this is not “big brother” but rather someone who will help keep work safely. We’ve all made mistakes, that is just the nature of life. However, in mining, mistakes can cost you dearly.) The experienced miner will have other tasks to handle and can’t watch you all the time. So, pay attention to instructions given you and follow them.
The task training:
Another form of training required on mines is “task training”. Before you can operate equipment or undertake a task on a mine you need be task trained. This means an experienced miner or other competent person will train you on how to do a certain task or operate equipment. As you have guessed, the purpose behind this training is to education you on the proper and safety methods of doing a job. If you have not been tasked trained by the mine to operate a piece of equipment DO NOT attempt to operate it. Even if you have operated identical equipment in construction you prohibited under MSHA to operate equipment which the mine has yet to train you on.
Mining has been around for centuries but few people have been exposed to mining compared to construction type work. While both industries have work hazards those found on a mine site are different. To stay safe, listen, learn, think before acting and work safely.
For more information, visit https://www.mhsa.gov