MSHA launches miner safety, health app

By |  September 13, 2022

Logo: MSHA

The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) launched an app for iPhone and Android users that is designed to get timely information directly to miners and members of the mining community.

The app can be used at mines and outside of working hours to search for best safety and health practices, as well as locate resources to understand miners’ rights and responsibilities under the Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977. The app also sends users notifications of mining accidents and how to prevent them.

According to MSHA, the app is divided into five main sections: safety topics, health topics, miners’ rights, about MSHA and a “contact us” section. MSHA says the app features a guide for how to file a discrimination complaint, and it allows miners to report accidents and hazards with the push of a couple of buttons.

Traditionally, miners have received safety and health information from several sources – including their unions, miners’ representatives, their mine’s safety office or managers, training programs, MSHA inspectors and industry stakeholder groups. Although MSHA says those are still important avenues to reach miners, technology makes it possible for miners to research information more directly.

“Miners nationwide can now access important safety, health and miners’ rights information in the palm of their hands,” says Chris Williamson, assistant secretary of labor at MSHA. “This new, innovative tool is another technical and educational resource to empower miners and help them play active roles in mine safety and health. Even so, the Mine Act is clear that mine operators have the primary responsibility to maintain safe and healthy working conditions and provide regular and thorough training to miners.”

The free MSHA app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store by searching “Miner Safety & Health.”

Jack Kopanski

About the Author:

Jack Kopanski is the Managing Editor of Pit & Quarry and Editor-in-Chief of Portable Plants. Kopanski can be reached at 216-706-3756 or jkopanski@northcoastmedia.net.

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