Blog Archives

Welcome to the December edition of CORESafety TV’s “Stories from the Field,” brought to you by the National Mining Association. These days, there aren’t quite as many college students enrolled in Mining Engineering classes as there once were.  Times have changed, as has the mining industry at large. But make no mistake – for those who […]

Anticipating safety hazards when you’re on the job as a miner is part of your everyday life. It’s important to always stay aware, stay alert and stay safe. But sometimes you might run into hazards that aren’t as obvious as one might think. Would you know how to handle issues that might arise in these areas? Vehicle Fire Suppression Personnel, […]

Welcome to the November edition of CORESafety TV’s “Stories from the Field,” brought to you by the National Mining Association. Imagine being a new student at West Virginia University who shows up with a plan, but later discovers mining engineering and decides to switch majors right there on the spot. That’s what happened to Trent Cavanaugh, a senior at the WVU Benjamin M. […]

It’s a fact — people are more effectively motivated by positive reinforcement than they are with negative consequences. If you’re a leader who uses positive feedback and rewards when it comes to the safety and health performances of your employees, you’ll be more likely to see better results going forward. There are some specific ways to best reinforce and recognize employees when they’re […]

Working on or around powered haulage equipment is one of the most dangerous things that a miner can do on the job. And even though newer, safer designs are coming out all the time, the truth is that there will always be dangers associated with moving equipment. Mining depends upon the ability to move things from “here to there” whether […]

Health and safety trainers will soon have an opportunity to improve their training skills and learn new ideas for their training programs. The Training Resources Applied to Mining (TRAM) Conference will be held in person this year on November 12 – 15, 2024 at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. The Academy is located at 1301 Airport Road in Beaver, West Virginia. […]

Welcome to the September 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Did you know that virtual reality (VR) is beginning to play a key role in mine rescue training? The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been developing a VR program that will almost assuredly have a major impact on mine rescue […]

In a recent CORESafety E-Comm, we shared some information on staying safe while conducting maintenance on belt conveyors. But it’s equally important to be highly alert when you’re working on ANY job or task that brings you NEAR a belt conveyor. Here’s an example of why — Let’s say you are in a tunnel far away from an exit and the only way to […]

Welcome to the August 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. This month, we’re featuring a special overview report that outlines exactly what our safety and health management system is all about. We call it “This Is CORESafety” —  CORESafety is primarily designed to prevent mining accidents before they happen. In this episode, you’ll […]

If you’re a miner who has to work on, near or around a belt conveyor, it’s important to always be aware of the hazards that you might run across. A significant number of injuries and fatalities over the last few years have occurred when miners were working in the proximity of moving conveyors, while some have involved maintenance of an idle conveyor. All […]

Welcome to the July 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. CORESafety’s Module #20 focuses on contractor management and purchasing. This module includes: Ensuring all company-sponsored project proposals include safety and health management criteria or requirements.  Pre-screening contractors for acceptable safety and health management experience, qualifications and procedures. Ensuring all contractors and third parties are aware of your […]

The mining industry is one of the top industries when it comes to the highest frequency of hazardous noise. Due to this noise exposure, miners can experience hearing damage and hearing loss at a consistent rate. One out of four miners—this includes all types of mining—currently has hearing issues already, and by retirement age, four out of every […]

Welcome to the June 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. CORESafety’s Module #19 focuses on engineering and construction. When starting new mining operations or making modifications to existing facilities, it’s important to design, construct and commission them so that good safety and health performance is always promoted. Applying recognized engineering standards, procedures and management systems, […]

The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a useful resource for planning work activities based on how hot it feels throughout the day. It has a real-time heat index and hourly forecasts specific to your location. It also provides occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH. The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool features: A visual indicator of […]

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Did you know that heat stress can sometimes be fatal? For that reason alone, it’s important to always use a buddy system. You and your co-workers need to know what to watch for when working in hot mining environments. This is true […]

Working alone in any mining operation can increase the risks of having a dangerous accident or worse. Always do the following when you’re on the job — Evaluate the task(s) you’ve been assigned to do: Do you have adequate training, knowledge, skills and equipment to complete the task safely? Do you need any help, in order to ensure […]

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. CORESafety’s Module #18 focuses on documentation and information management. The implementation of information management will help mining operations achieve business goals and adhere to demanding compliance requirements. All mines should keep appropriate safety and health management records, as designated by senior management. Watch […]

Whether you’re a miner or a mine operator, it’s important to know where to find certain health resources, especially during emergencies. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has recently begun promoting its new Health Resource Locator for this purpose. The tool is designed to address your unique health needs and connect you with essential […]

Welcome to the March 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Slips, trips and falls — these types of accidents happen far more often on the job than you might think. In this month’s program, we take a look at the dangers of walking and climbing around mine sites. In recent years, more than […]

Powered haulage accidents are among the most deadly to occur in mining operations and you should always stay alert when working around anything that moves. Last year, a total of 40 North American miners lost their lives on the job, according to MSHA. Ten of those deaths were attributed to powered haulage incidents. Powered haulage includes motors and rail cars, conveyors, belt feeders, […]

Welcome to the February 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. In this month’s program, we examine why it’s critical for mining operations to assure people that there’s a reliable structure in place to analyze the fitness and effectiveness of their safety and health management systems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKGV0dbBItw Click Here to Watch CORESafety TV To learn […]

MSHA’s analysis of recent accident data indicates that accidents involving customer and contract truck drivers, and managers and supervisors performing mining tasks represent a significant number of recent fatalities. As a result, MSHA has implemented an enhanced enforcement program to help improve safety and health in the mining industry. Any citations issued for violations discussed below may be considered for a special […]

Welcome to the January 2024 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Each year, Sentinels of Safety are awarded to the nation’s safest mines that have successfully reached a minimum of 4,000 injury-free hours. The recognition includes coal and mineral mining operations in 10 categories of both small and large mines. In this month’s CORESafety […]

This month, CORESafety and the National Mining Association encourage you to join us in celebrating National Miners Day, a time for recognizing the dedicated men and women in the mining industry that help to keep our country prosperous and safe. National Miners Day takes place each year on December 6, the date that was established in 2009 to remember those miners […]

Welcome to the December 2023 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. In this month’s special episode, we continue with the second part of our interviews with five Mine Rescue Hall of Fame members who share their unique and valuable insights with us. Facilitated by CORESafety’s Paul Krivokuca from the National Mining Association, the panel includes discussions with: TIMOTHY […]

When an emergency occurs at a mine, it’s important to know exactly what to do. But in dangerous moments, it’s easy to become confused or overwhelmed. This month, we have downloadable “keeper” from CORESafety and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that might help.  This is a Critical Item Checklist that’s good to keep on hand in the event of a mine emergency at your […]

Welcome to the November 2023 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  It’s not often that you get to hear the real life story of an MSHA Coal Mine Rescue Hall of Fame member. Someone who’s been involved with highly-organized rescue teams for most of his or her adult life. But in this Part One of a two-part […]

Welcome to the October 2023 episode of CORESafety TV where we’ll look at Module #16 – Safety and Health Management Assurance. We’ll explore why it’s critical for mining operations to be in full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Having an improvement cycle and applying the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” process can help you accomplish this. This is a four-step management method designed to continually improve the processes at your […]

MSHA is implementing a Silica Enforcement Initiative to protect Coal and Metal and Nonmetal (MNM) miners’ health by limiting their exposures to respirable crystalline silica. This initiative has four components: inspections, sampling, compliance assistance, and miners’ rights. 1. INSPECTIONS     Coal and MNM mines MSHA will conduct spot inspections for silica at coal and MNM mines. At mines […]

Welcome to the September edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. One of mining’s greatest hazards is the exposure to elevated levels of toxic aerosols, including respirable crystalline silica. Exposure may potentially cause adverse health effects such as silicosis, nonmalignant respiratory diseases, lung cancer and renal disease. In August 2023, the Mine Safety […]

Being exposed to potential high-risk safety hazards and environments while at work makes it imperative for miners to always be alert, trained and competent. The competency of miners can be verified in a variety of ways. One of these is through behavioral observation while workers are going about their daily tasks on the job. Afterwards, mine managers should meet with workers, […]

Welcome to the August 2023 episode of CORESafety TV on how to minimize unsafe behavior in your mining operation (Module #15). Many mining incidents can be traced in one form or another to unsafe behaviors of workers on the job. When you optimize human behaviors, you’re less likely to have the potential for increased injuries and accidents. CORESafety’s Module #15 explains how most experts […]

Do you need to report a mining accident or hazardous condition at a mine, an impoundment or an abandoned mine?  Here’s the toll-free emergency number you should call – 1-800-746-1553 This emergency number is staffed 24 hours a day by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).  Mine operators are required by law to report all mining accidents immediately within 15 minutes of […]

Welcome to the July edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  If you’re working in or around a mine this summer, you need to be aware of the dangers of extreme heat.  There’s no question that you can suffer from heat-related illnesses or even death if you don’t take precautionary measures while working.  Watch this CORESafety […]

Understanding heat stress can help you to stay safe while working in hot environments.  There are several types of heat illnesses that you can suffer from if you don’t take adequate precautions, along with a number of factors that can increase their risks. Here’s a two-page downloadable overview about heat stress to share with the miners […]

Welcome to the June edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Integrity in reporting and timely investigation are both critical steps for preventing future occurrences of safety-related incidents.  There are two categories that require different types of reporting: Reportable incidents  Non-reportable incidents Incidents cannot be investigated if they are not reported. All mining personnel should be aware […]

Electricity can be one of mining’s greatest dangers, even when working outside.  In a space of just ten days in early 2023, three miners lost their lives due to electrical-related incidents.  On January 27, two contractors were electrocuted when a 14,000-volt overhead power line came into contact with their off-road dump trucks. The contractors stepped outside the cabs of their trucks […]

Welcome to the May 2023 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Here’s some exciting news from a research team that has been working to develop a permissibly safe drone for coal mines – they have finally solved their main design problems and have managed to achieve flight with their prototype drone.  For the […]

Blasting operations on any mining site carry inherent risks that demand close attention during both the planning and execution stages. Back in December 2017, three miners were injured at a basalt surface mine when explosives detonated prematurely without any warning. The miners were located 130 yards away from the blast, but were nevertheless struck with flying debris that resulted in their injuries. […]

Occupational health should always be treated on par with worker safety.  The only difference between a miner injured on the job and one who is impaired from an occupational disease is that the former occurs very rapidly, while the latter occurs over a period of time.  Accounting for occupational health involves a two-step process:  Anticipating, […]

On March 9, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) celebrated its 45th anniversary and recognized the many contributions that its dedicated employees have made to advance miner safety and health. The history of MSHA goes back to the Mine Act of 1977 when Congress established the agency and gave clear directions that the first priority and concern must always be […]

Welcome to the March edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Rapid advancements in mining technology are playing a key role in protecting more miners on the job every day.  Mine operators are discovering the benefits of using integrated technology because of the analytical data that these systems […]

As a miner, it’s important for you to always stay alert and to anticipate safety hazards while working on the job.  In this CORESafety infographic, you will learn about five specific hazards that can be handled through the use of up-to-date technology. These include: Vehicle Fire Suppression  Personnel, Vehicle and Asset Tracking  Communication and Data Systems  Respiratory Protection  Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring […]

When it comes to safety in mining operations, it’s critical to always follow the outlined work procedures and to always have the proper permits in hand.  Essentially, we’re talking about integrating safety and health into operations and maintenance.  There are three steps that you should follow: Organize and conduct work in a predictable manner  Specify ways to […]

Achieving safety success in mining requires each miner to be thoroughly trained and competent. In addition, it’s important for their training to be assessed and verified, based on their level of knowledge and skills required for each task.  The primary safety focus at every mining operation should be on learning.  This downloadable CORESafety infographic shows the three categories that are involved in the learning […]

For the first time in recent years, the Sentinels of Safety Award winners (2021) were recognized in person by leaders of the mining, technology and reclamation industries in Washington, D.C.  The ceremony was sponsored on November 10, 2022, by the National Mining Association (NMA), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the U.S. Office of […]

Each year on December 6, the National Mining Association and CORESafety join others in celebrating National Miners Day in recognition of the skill, dedication and hard work shown by miners throughout America. It’s the day on which we acknowledge what those individuals are doing to provide the many critical materials that we all use in our daily lives. It’s also […]

Change management means identifying changes in your organization and mining operation that may introduce new risks or may increase unacceptable risks.  You should always be proactively looking for and controlling change at every level of the organization and across functional areas, including emergency management. The change management process should include changes that are: Planned or unplanned  Temporary  Incremental […]

The Sentinels of Safety Award winners for 2021 were recognized this month in Washington, D.C. by the National Mining Association (NMA), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).  Sentinels of Safety are awarded to the nation’s safest mines that have successfully reached […]

Welcome to the November edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Dyno Nobel is a global leader in the commercial explosives industry. The company also happens to be the first non-mining principal organization to have ever received CORESafety certification.  Earlier this year, Dyno Nobel also went through the recertification process for CORESafety and paid special […]

Providing relevant information that helps protect the safety and health of all miners is the ongoing focus of NMA’s CORESafety system.  This month, we’re sharing information about a new campaign from MSHA called “Miner Health Matters”that has just been launched, along with some links where you can learn more. As with CORESafety, the “Miner Health Matters” campaign is designed to promote and […]

The selection, training and management of mining personnel are all critical to achieving safety excellence. Your mining operation depends on the behavior of the employees working within management-controlled environments and processes.  In this month’s episode of CORESafety TV, we explore Module 10.  Module 10 explains how resources and planning are integral to achieving the 0:50:5 objective through: Hiring standards  Conditions of employment  Employee […]

There’s a new free app available now to help miners receive important information directly from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).  Miners can use the app to know and understand their rights and responsibilities as miners, to search and use best safety and health practices and to receive notifications of accidents in the mining community.  Its purpose is to also help miners use this […]

Welcome to the September edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  A little over a year ago, we introduced you to two researchers from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.  Dr. Pedram Roghanchi and Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian are working to develop a drone that will fly safely in coal mines and will […]

Blasting operations on any mining site carry inherent risks that demand close attention during both the planning and execution stages.  In December 2017, three miners were injured when explosives detonated prematurely without any warning. Despite being positioned 130 feet away from the blast, the employees were struck with flying debris that resulted in various types […]

  Welcome to the August edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Whether you’re working underground or on the surface, extreme heat can be one of your worst enemies, especially during the summer months.  MSHA – the Mine Safety and Health Administration – makes a point of reminding miners and mine operators about this on […]

Heat is something that must be taken very seriously in any mining environment. To ignore it is to put yourself in a dangerous situation that can easily lead to illness or even death.  Deep underground mines are considered “hot” work sites because of the heat from the rock itself. Ground water flowing through hot rock […]

Welcome to the July edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  If you’re a leader at your mining operation, it pays to be acutely aware of the potential for accidents on the job and to take whatever steps you can to prevent them.  All things considered, there are four main factors that can contribute […]

As of June 8, 2022, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is implementing a Silica Enforcement Initiative to protect the health of Coal and Metal/Nonmetal (MNM) miners by limiting their exposures to respirable crystalline silica. This initiative has four components: inspections, sampling, compliance assistance and miners’ rights. INSPECTIONS Coal and MNM mines MSHA will conduct spot inspections […]

Welcome to the June edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Since the earliest days of mining, it’s been important for miners to do what they can to protect their hearing.  Today that’s truer than ever because of the near constant exposure to loud equipment in environments where high decibel levels are simply unavoidable.  Despite […]

Mine rescue contests are designed to sharpen the skills and test the knowledge of team members who might be faced one day with potential mining emergencies.  Each team has to solve hypothetical problems and challenges while being timed and observed by judges.  The contests are usually held in the spring and summer in various states […]

Welcome to the May edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  To become CORESafety-certified, mining companies must complete all 20 CORESafety modules and undergo an independent, third-party certification audit.  The latest CORESafety company to achieve this distinction is Wyodak Mine in Gillette, Wyoming.  Officially opened in 1922, Wyodak Mine […]

Safety is a major concern in many industries, but mining has its own unique set of hazards that need to be constantly addressed. Several of CORESafety’s modules are specifically focused on these hazards, including – Module #4 – Fatality Prevention and Risk Management Module #5 – Training and CompetenceModule #13 – Occupational Health This CORESafety infographic identifies five mining safety hazards that you […]

Welcome to the April edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Powered haulage accidents continue to be a serious concern in mining operations, but the increased attention that’s being placed on training and awareness is hopefully making a difference. Technological advancements such as proximity detection are also helping to keep miners safer when working around continuous miners, […]

Since 2011, a number of U.S. mining operations have been using CORESafety as their safety and health management system (SHMS) and to promote the 0:50:5 objective. That objective is aimed at achieving zero mining fatalities and a 50 percent reduction in injuries over a 5-year period of time. The 20-module CORESafety initiative is specifically designed to help mine operators and […]

Welcome to the March edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Since October 2020, four massive pillar collapses have occurred in limestone mines in the U.S. Each collapse was accompanied by a powerful air blast and the formation of a large surface sinkhole. The good news – those particular blasts did not result in any […]

This month’s CORESafety E-Comm focuses on Traffic Management and Roadway Design as integral components in preventing powered haulage accidents. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT When it comes to safely operating powered haulage equipment and other vehicles, traffic management is an essential part of assuring safe conditions. Always remember this: When placing signs, consider the time it takes for an equipment operator to […]

Welcome to the February edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Industrial hygiene (IH) is a hot safety topic in mining these days and one of our CORESafety-certified companies is really taking it to heart. The company is Coeur Mining, Inc., headquartered in Chicago. In this month’s episode of CORESafety TV, we have a […]

The U.S. Department of Labor has reopened the rulemaking record and held a virtual public hearing on Jan. 11, 2022, on the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s proposed rule for Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment. The proposed rule is intended to improve safe usage of mobile, powered-haulage equipment.  This is one of several actions […]

Welcome to the January edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. In this episode, we’re presenting an overview summary of 5 important safety topics that we researched and shared over the last 12 months. These include: Ladder Safety Drones in Coal Mines The new ErgoMine 2.0 app The Safety Session at MINExpo […]

Each December, the National Mining Association and CORESafety recognize National Miners Day as our nation celebrates the hundreds of thousands of hard-working men and women who belong to America’s mining community.  With more than 13,000 mines throughout our country, it is the talent and dedication of these individuals that enable us to obtain the hard-to-access […]

Welcome to the December edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Throughout 2021, we’ve all faced a lot of challenges, especially in the mining industry. But we’ve also seen a lot of positive progress made in terms of safety. In this episode of CORESafety TV, we look at the Year in Review and […]

Here are two important factors in achieving a desired safety and health outcome at your mining operation:  How a miner behaves on the job  How you maintain a safe work culture  To ensure personnel are qualified and on board with your corporate initiatives, your organization should pay close attention during the hiring process.  CORESafety’s Module 10 explains how the […]

Welcome to the November edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  In today’s mining environments, most haul trucks are equipped with sensors that can provide an incredible amount of information for data scientists, engineers, managers and operators.  Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. is taking that data and using it in their recently developed Haul Truck Operator Scorecard. The haul truck […]

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has awarded $1 million in Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety grant funding to help identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around the nation’s mines.  The award is divided between 13 grant recipients to develop mine safety training or educational programs, to recruit mine operators and miners for […]

Welcome to the October edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  The NMA’s Sentinels of Safety Award winners for 2020 and 2019 were recognized at the MINExpo International trade show in Las Vegas last month.  Forty American mining operations – 12 coal mines and 28 mineral/metal mines – were honored in 10 categories.  A […]

Mobile and powered haulage equipment continue to be major sources of accidents and fatalities throughout the mining industry.  For that reason, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has proposed a new rule to require mine operators employing six or more miners to develop a written safety program for that type of equipment (excluding belt conveyors) […]

Welcome to the September edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Mine safety will play a prominent role at the upcoming MINExpo® International 2021 trade show this month.  MINExpo is sponsored by the National Mining Association and is scheduled to take place in person from September 13 – 15 […]

Did you know that heat stress can sometimes be fatal? For that reason alone, it’s important to use a buddy system. Everyone needs to know what to watch for when working in hot mining environments, whether underground or on the surface.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has just released a new […]

Welcome to the August edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.  Mining operations should always strive to be in full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements to ensure value-added regulations are being leveraged.  CORESafety can help you accomplish this by integrating the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” improvement cycle with your company’s […]

Halfway through 2021, powered haulage continues to be a primary source of accidents and fatalities in the mining industry. CORESafety is determined to bring more attention to the dangers by making miners aware of how easily these accidents can happen and how to prevent them. To date, nine miners have lost their lives this year and 185 more have been injured […]

Welcome to the July edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. There’s a new app for mining professionals that’s designed to help identify, record and track ergonomics and safety hazards that can lead to injuries, illnesses and fatalities at worksites. This is ErgoMine 2.0, a powerful on-the-ground auditing tool for iOS and Android devices, created by the […]

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released a presentation that was recently shared during the June 9, 2021 Stakeholder Meeting. The document is entitled “CY2021 MSHA Fatalities” and includes statistics for the first five months of 2021. Seven of the 15 reported fatalities during that period involved powered haulage accidents. There is a […]

Welcome to the June edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Technically speaking, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones can be flown inside contained areas like underground mines. Metal and non-metal mining operations are using drones in increasing numbers these days. Surface mines are especially seeing a lot […]

If you’re a miner who has to work on, near or around a belt conveyor, it’s important to always be aware of the hazards that you might run across. A significant number of injuries and fatalities over the last few years have occurred when miners were working in the proximity of moving conveyors, while some […]

Welcome to the May edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. While it’s obvious that CORESafety is an effective safety and health management system for many large American mining operations, it’s also proving to be beneficial to at least one smaller “start-up” project – Twin Metals Minnesota.  Twin Metals Minnesota is a […]

Welcome to the April edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Mining companies that employ CORESafety as their safety and health management system can become “certified” after they’ve completed all 20 modules in the program and have been reviewed and approved by an independent third-party consultant. Three years later, those same companies are required to go through another third-party review in order […]

In 2020, the U.S. mining industry reported its sixth consecutive year with fewer than 30 fatalities, according to a recent U.S. Department of Labor news release. Among those fatalities, there were five that occurred in coal mines, which was a historic low. The decline shows a significant downward trend largely attributed to safety education efforts […]

Welcome to the March edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. This is National Ladder Safety Month as designated by the American Ladder Institute. It’s the fifth anniversary of their efforts to make people more aware of the hazards that can be associated with ladders when they’re used […]

It’s important to make sure that machine guards at your mine sites are properly designed, in order to lessen the hazardous risks they may bring. Each year, there are more than 18,000 workdays lost* because of incidents and injuries involving machine guards. Here’s a downloadable safety infographic about this topic from NIOSH for you to […]

Welcome to the February edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. One of the greatest hazards in mining is the exposure of miners to elevated levels of toxic aerosols, including respirable dust, diesel particulate matter and crystalline silica. Two types of monitoring – personal and environmental – are often used to measure and […]

Welcome to the January 2021 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Last month we told you about the innovative COVID-19 strategy that Coeur Mining implemented throughout 2020 to help protect its miners. The company formed an internal multi-disciplinary committee to tackle the challenges head-on, making it possible to effectively test employees for possible exposure and […]

This month, CORESafety and the National Mining Association ask you to join us in celebrating National Miners Day, a time for recognizing the dedicated men and women in the mining industry that help to keep our country prosperous and safe. National Miners Day takes place each year on December 6, the date that was established in 2009 to remember those miners […]

Welcome to the December edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. There’s no question that 2020 has been an extremely difficult year for everyone because of the COVID-19 pandemic, although there are now some hopeful signs with the anticipated advent of new vaccines. Coeur Mining recognized early on that the company needed […]

In the November 2020 episode of CORESafety TV, we showed an infographic that NIOSH has created on how to inspect work boots for signs of wear.  Here’s a downloadable PDF of that infographic for you to share at your mining operation – Download, Print and Share CORESafety has also created two more infographics that pertain […]

Welcome to the November edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Here’s one of the most important safety aspects of mining today that sometimes gets overlooked by even the most experienced miners – When and why should you replace your work boots?  Back in 2017, the National Institute for […]

October 30 is Mine Rescue Day.  That specific date was designated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) back in 2013 as a time to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of volunteers who risk their own lives to save other miners. There are more than 250 mine rescue teams that are certified and equipped to perform mine rescue […]

Welcome to the December edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. In 1919, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) launched the first Respirator Certification Program. Just a few months later, on January 15, 1920, the USBM actually certified the first air respirator. In recognition of the 100-year anniversary […]

The Importance of Underground Communications and Electronic Tracking in Mining Welcome to the November edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. In 2006, the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act was passed as the direct result of three major underground mining accidents in the U.S. One of its requirements is for […]

Dangers of Hearing Loss in Mining And What You Can Do Welcome to the October edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Nearly 1 out of 4 mining workers experience job-related hearing loss, according to a recent study released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Researchers analyzed 1.9 million U.S. […]

How to Address Risk Management In Your Mining Operations Welcome to the September edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Risk management is the term that describes the coordinated activities an organization uses to assess and control risk. CORESafety considers the risk management process to be necessary if you want […]

Machinery-Related Fatalities on the Increase in 2019 Welcome to the August edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. This month, we’re talking about the rise of machinery-related fatalities in both surface and underground mining operations. Powered haulage accidents that result in fatalities are often more prevalent, but now the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is showing a greater […]

Some Real World Insights Into Leadership and CORESafety Welcome to the July edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Leadership development is a process that begins with leaders understanding their strengths and weaknesses. This understanding helps leaders focus on areas of potential improvement.  CORESafety emphasizes that leaders in mining […]

It’s National Safety Month… Don’t Let a Friend or Coworker Become a Statistic Welcome to the June edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. This is National Safety Month, as recognized by the National Safety Council (NSC), CORESafety and hundreds of other organizations across the country. This year’s theme is […]

Welcome to the May edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. This month, we’re introducing a new in-depth interview segment called “Center of Safety” on CORESafety TV. Periodically, we’ll be talking with mining executives where we “dig a little deeper” by asking how they themselves got started in mining. We’ll […]

Welcome to the April edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Mine rescue contests are designed to sharpen the skills and test the knowledge of team members who might be faced one day with potential mining emergencies. Each team has to solve hypothetical problems and challenges while being timed […]

Welcome to the March 2019 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. In this episode, we take a look at reporting and investigating safety incidents and why you should also analyze near miss events that might not seem serious enough to report. This is particularly true with slips, […]

How to Anticipate, Recognize, Evaluate and Control Hazards That Can Lead to Illness Welcome to the February 2019 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. In this episode, we take a look at occupational health and why you should treat it on par with worker safety at your […]

Start the New Year with CORESafety As we begin the New Year, this is the optimal time to commit to achieving CORESafety’s 0:50:5 objective in your mining operation. We’re referring to having zero fatalities and a 50% reduction in injuries over a five-year period. While some statistical improvements have been seen in recent years, the fact is that there were still 27 mining […]

Welcome to the December edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. In this episode, we take a look at Module #11 and examine how change management can help prevent changes within your operation from: Introducing new hazards  Negatively changing the risk rating of existing hazards  Degrading controls  In order to […]

Welcome to the November edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. In this episode, we take a look at Module #10 and examine why resources and planning are integral to safety management within every mining operation. In order to be successful, there has to be close alignment and mutual […]

Welcome to the October edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association (NMA). People are more effectively motivated by positive reinforcement than with negative consequences. Positive reinforcement works best when leaders respond right away after seeing someone who is doing things right. Informally, a simple word of encouragement such as “good job” or a quick written “thank […]

Welcome to the September edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. Inadequate Communication is a potential source of danger or harm at any mining operation. But even having effective communications isn’t always enough when it comes to striving for the 0:50:5 objective of zero fatalities and a 50% reduction in safety-related injuries over five […]

Welcome to the August edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. In this episode of CORESafety TV, we explore the Swiss Cheese Model of Accident Causation, which explains how errors caused by an unprotected organization can ultimately lead to unexpected accidents. You’ll also learn: Who created the Swiss […]

Welcome to the July edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association. Mine rescue contests are designed to sharpen the skills and test the knowledge of team members who might be faced one day with potential mining emergencies. Each team is presented with hypothetical problems and challenges; they must solve them […]

Welcome to the June edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month is National Safety Month as recognized by the National Safety Council (NSC), CORESafety and hundreds of other organizations across the country. This year’s theme is “No 1 Gets Hurt” and the focus is on spreading […]

Welcome to the March edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month, we recognize Freeport–McMoRan for its innovative approach to using drones to monitor mine operations. We also tell you about how CORESafety’s module #4 can help with fatality prevention and risk management in addition to going […]

Welcome to the April edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month, we are recognizing Kinross Gold — the latest company to receive independent certification for CORESafety. We’ll also tell you about Kinross Gold’s plans to implement CORESafety globally; how Module #3 can help you with Management […]

Welcome to the March edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month you’ll learn about the dangers of slips and falls on ladders and how you may be able to lessen the risks with CORESafety’s module 2: Responsibility and Accountability. We’ll also dig a little deeper into Module […]

Welcome to the February edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month you’ll hear how powered haulage accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of fatalities in the mining industry and how you may be able to lessen the risks with CORESafety‘s modules 4, 5 and 12. We’ll also […]

Welcome to the December edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month we celebrate National Miners Day and recap the winners of the recent Sentinels of Safety awards. We also talk with Tom Hethmon, a mining industry expert who helped co-design CORESafety back in 2011. Hethmon covers in detail the benefits of […]

Welcome to the November edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month, we are talking to five industry experts about the importance of safety and strong leadership, the role of supervisors, how to prevent injuries and accidents, and how to understand and manage risk. 

Welcome to the October edition of CORESafety TV — the online video series from the National Mining Association. This month, we are recognizing Freeport–McMoRan — the latest company to receive independent certification for CORESafety.

Welcome to CORESafety TV – August 2017. This month, CORESafety TV is recognizing Dyno Nobel, Inc. – the latest company to receive independent CORESafety certification.

Welcome to the first edition of CORESafety TV News Update – the new monthly online mining safety and health program from the National Mining Association. Each month, we’ll feature informational stories, interviews, tips and graphs that mining companies will find both useful and interesting. 

Twenty Mines Receive NMA’s 2015 “Sentinels of Safety” and NIOSH Technology Awards LAS VEGAS – Nineteen American mining operations – six coal mines and 13 mineral/metal mines – are the recipients of the National Mining Association’s “Sentinels of Safety” awards in recognition of their outstanding mine safety achievements during 2015. The awards were presented to […]

Few issues are more important to the National Mining Association (NMA), the U.S. mining industry and NMA’s MINExpo International 2016 exhibitors than safety.

Global mining safety and health is a journey necessitating continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation on the part of both mining operators and their suppliers. MINExpo 2016, which takes place Sept. 26-28, 2016, in Las Vegas, provides attendees with the opportunity to view technologies to help refine management of mining safety and health, utilizing NMA’s CORESafety system.

Matt Pedersen-Howard is Vice President of Health & Safety for Peabody Energy. In this role, he is responsible for implementing and integrating the National Mining Association’s CORESafety framework with Peabody’s Safety,  A Way of Life Management System to achieve our vision of operating safe workplaces that are incident free.  Other responsibilities include auditing, standardizing and monitoring […]

Slips, Trips and Falls are among the five leading causes of mining fatalities, and account for roughly 30 percent of all accidents in the mining industry.  Avoid becoming one of these statistics by always wearing proper safety boots and being aware of conditions where you’re working — read more.

Frank L. Hanagarne, Jr. is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Coeur Mining, Inc., the largest U.S.-based primary silver producer and a significant gold producer. Prior to joining Coeur in 2011, Mr. Hanagarne was Chief Operating Officer of and before that was a Director of Corporate Development for Newmont Mining Corporation. His 17 […]

Safety performance in mining operations appears to be on the upswing these days, with initiatives like CORESafety playing an integral role. The Mine Safety and Health Administration recently released statistics for 2015 that show a relatively significant number of mines operating last year without an injury or illness. Mining injuries are categorized by degrees, which indicate […]

The number of “slip or fall” accidents in mining companies has seen an increase in 2015, according to Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) statistics. Slips or falls have accounted for 21% of all reportable accidents during the first six months of this year, up from 20.5% in 2014. Check out the latest CORESafety infographic to learn […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Twenty American mining operations – six coal mines and fourteen mineral/metal mines – won “Sentinels of Safety Awards” awards today in recognition of their outstanding mine safety achievements during 2014. An American mine also won the annual Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and […]

Dr. Jeffrey Kohler, the undergraduate program chair of mining engineering at Penn State University, discusses the public’s misconceptions of mining and his view of CORESafety as “the biggest game changer in my career” and fully expects it to result in unprecedented levels of safety improvement throughout the industry. Read the full interview here.

Washington, D.C. – Twenty American mining operations were recognized today for outstanding safety records in 2013. The National Mining Association (NMA) conferred its annual “Sentinels of Safety” awards on metal/nonmetal and coal mines for both surface and underground operations in ceremonies attended by miners, mine safety professionals and industry executives. The “Sentinels of Safety” awards, […]

The National Mining Association (NMA) recently released the second interactive toolbox to help member and non-member companies implement the CORESafety® initiative at their facilities. CORESafety is a scalable safety and health management system that provides a comprehensive pathway to achieve within five years mining’s goal of eliminating fatalities and reducing the rate of mining injuries […]

“Sentinels of Safety” Awards Honor Outstanding Safety Performance at U.S. Coal, Metal and Nonmetal Mines in 2011 Las Vegas, Nev. – The National Mining Association (NMA) today recognized 21 U.S. coal, metal and nonmetal mining operations for their outstanding safety record in 2011. The “Sentinels of Safety,” awarded annually to the nation’s safest mining operations […]

Las Vegas, Nev. – The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) today honored three companies—Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Lockheed Martin and CONSOL Energy—with the institute’s inaugural award for Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations. The awards were presented at a luncheon sponsored by the National Mining Association (NMA) at its quadrennial mining […]

The National Mining Association’s (NMA) board of directors at its March 30 meeting formally endorsed a new workplace safety and health paradigm, CORESafety, a scalable safety and health management system specifically designed for U.S. mining operations. CORESafety provides a comprehensive pathway to achieve within five years mining’s goal of eliminating fatalities and reducing the rate of […]

Washington, D.C. – Five U.S. coal mines, three mineral mines and one state association today won annual awards from the U.S. Department of the Interior for their outstanding environmental performance, mine reclamation achievements and community outreach programs in 2010. The awards were presented by officials from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement […]