Coal producers group, MSHA forge safety-focused alliance

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association (MCPA) are joining forces in an alliance that will generate information, guidance, and training resources focused on the protection of coal miners.

Specifically, the collaboration is designed to prioritize worker health and safety in coal mines, mills, and preparation plants.
Actionable goals include the following:

• Organizing information, training, and technical support for safety and health awareness.
• Analyzing and publishing injury, illness, and citation data for educational development and training tools to protect miners.
• Annual summary analyses of incidence rates for coal mines, preparation plants, and mills; development of worker injury and illness case studies highlighting hazardous safety and health conditions.
• Revealing best practices to improve operator and contractor safety and health.

“Ensuring that every miner goes home safe and healthy at the end of each shift is at the core of MSHA’s mission. This alliance strengthens our longstanding commitment to collaborate with industry partners who share that dedication,” said Assistant Secretary of Mine Safety and Health Wayne Palmer. “By working closely with the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association, we can expand the reach of critical training, share data-driven insights, and promote innovative approaches that prevent accidents and protect miners’ well-being."

“The Metallurgical Coal Producers Association is excited to enter into this alliance with MSHA. We represent leading met coal producers in Appalachia who focus on operating the safest coal mines possible. Forming this alliance with MSHA shows our commitment to safety for our workers and the importance of collaboration to facilitate innovation,” said Ben Beakes, president of MCPA. 

MSHA’s Alliance Program helps the agency build cooperative relationships with organizations committed to workplace safety and health. Alliance partners work with MSHA to provide miners and mine operators with information, guidance, and resources to build a culture of safety. Alliances also ensure that mine operators fully understand their responsibilities under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.