The US Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced on May 29 that it has established an alliance with the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association (MCPA) that will protect miners working in the coal sector by providing information, guidance, and training resources.

This collaborative relationship will help protect the health and safety of workers at coal mines, preparation plants, and mills.

MSHA and the MCPA’s collaborative relationship will help protect the health and safety of workers at coal mines, preparation plants, and mills by providing information, training, and technical assistance to raise safety and health awareness; analyzing and publishing injury, illness, and citation data to develop education and training tools that better protect miners; conducting annual summary analyses of incidence rates for coal mines, preparation plants, and mills; and performing worker injury and illness case studies to identify hazardous safety and health conditions.

The partnership will also serve to develop and share best practices and effective approaches 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 MSHA assistant secretary Wayne Palmer.

He added that by working closely with the MCPA, we can expand the reach of critical training, share data-driven insights, and promote innovative approaches that prevent accidents and protect miners’ well-being. "Together we are building a stronger culture of safety across the coal industry," Palmer emphasised.

In turn, MCPA president Ben Beakes commented the 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. Working with our partners to ensure the safety of our miners enables us to produce the highest quality met coal used to make steel around the world.”

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.