Training workshops available for spring start-up

A series of training workshops are available to provide mining operations with the resources needed for a safe spring start-up. Photo: RiverRockPhotos/E+/Getty Images

Each spring, the mining industry hosts cooperative safety and health training workshops across the U.S.

These workshops are designed to increase awareness and recognition of mining hazards, improve hazard correction and encourage safe work practices.

At these events, safety professionals from mining and equipment companies, associations and the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) share information on a range of hazards. While MSHA does not sponsor these events, the agency encourages miners to take advantage of the workshops either in-person or virtually.

MSHA says mining accidents tend to increase near the end of winter when intermittently-operated mining operations resume production, often with new or inexperienced employees who are not as intently focused on mining hazards as they should be.

This year, there are three in-person training workshops, according to MSHA’s website:

• March 16 – DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento, 2001 Point W Way, Sacramento, California, 95815

• March 31 – Knife River Training Facility, 35973 Kennel Road SE, Albany, Oregon, 97321

• April 12 – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, California, 91764