MSHA has released an accident prevention safety idea to stress the importance of miner training.

The release, posted today, includes a breakdown of fatal accidents that occurred in 2011 where the victims had had little previous experience.  In 18 of the fatalities – 11 in Coal and seven in Metal/Non-Metal (M/NM) – the victims had less than a year’s experience in the activity they were doing at the time of the accident, MSHA said.  Eight Coal mine fatalities were also marked by less than a year’s experience at the mine.  In six cases – two in Coal and four in M/NM – the victims had less than a year’s total mining experience.

The Agency recommends that mine operators consider adopting more training programs that emphasize the tasks and activities new miners will perform.  Whether a miner is new to the industry or is experienced and new to the mine, inherent dangers may exist that are associated with geological conditions, different types of equipment used or specific practices the miners may not be aware of, MSHA said.

Trainers should perform a hazard assessment to identify all potential hazards associated with each activity and then assure each miner is trained on the hazards and how to prevent them.  Mentors could be used to supplement classroom instruction.   Periodic observations of work practices by supervisors during this learning phase are also recommended.