MSHA celebrates academy’s 40th anniversary

The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) plans to commemorate its National Mine Health & Safety Academy’s 40th anniversary with a ceremony Aug. 17 at the academy in Beaver, W.Va.

During the ceremony, MSHA Assistant Secretary Joe Main will present a keynote address.

Dedicated in 1976, the National Mine Health & Safety Academy houses the world’s largest educational institution devoted to training mine health and safety, MSHA reports.

“Education and training are vital components in improving the health and safety of the nation’s miners,” Main says. “The National Mine Health & Safety Academy plays a critical role in our ability to carry out our mission. MSHA, miners across the nation and the mining industry owe a tremendous debt to the academy for its invaluable contributions over the past 40 years.”

The academy features classrooms, mine machine and simulation laboratories, mine emergency operations equipment, a publication distribution center and residence hall. According to MSHA, it exposes students to a variety of different disciplines in nine laboratories, including roof control, ground control, mine emergency and mine rescue, ventilation, electrical, machinery, industrial hygiene, computer and underground mine simulation.