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May 19, 2006
OHIO MINE SAFETY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS RELEASED
Labor/industry panel submits 26 proposals to Governor Taft
for improving safety and protecting workers in Ohio’s underground mines
Download the report
 COLUMBUS, OH - Twenty-six recommended actions to improve safety training and provide better rescue equipment for workers in Ohio’s underground mines are included in a report prepared for Governor Bob Taft by the Ohio Underground Mine Safety Task Force and released today by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
In the wake of deadly mining accidents in West Virginia earlier this year, ODNR Director Sam Speck formed the multi-interest task force to study mine safety procedures in Ohio and propose its recommendations to Taft for improvements in state safety regulations. The 12-member panel included representatives of underground mine operators, labor unions and the ODNR mine safety program.
“Recommendations by the Underground Mine Safety Task Force give Ohio the opportunity to strengthen our existing mine safety program, apply lessons learned from recent out-of-state tragedies and utilize new technologies to make our mines safer,” said Speck said. “We look forward to working with the mining industry, labor leaders and state legislators to guide our efforts in further improving Ohio’s mine safety program.”
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Recommendations are made in several areas:
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Improving and increasing safety training programs for mine workers |
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Providing for early detection of carbon monoxide in underground mines |
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Installing lifeline and tagline systems to help miners escape from emergencies |
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Providing additional oxygen stations in underground mines |
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Improving and increasing rescue equipment for response to mine emergencies |
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Improving training for mine rescue teams |
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Requiring mine emergency drills |
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The task force’s 26 recommendations fall into three categories: prevention, protection and response.
The task force report also recognizes the importance of two-way communications systems, safe rooms and personal trackers in the event of an underground mine emergency. The group suggests further study of these topics, urging Ohio to lead the push for development of these and other developing technologies that will enhance the safety of Ohio’s underground mine workers.
While some task force recommendations will require changes in state law or ODNR administrative rules, the report says a number of its proposals can be accomplished through internal review of existing processes and procedures in place at each mine. Other recommendations call for research and development of new safety-related technologies.
Ten underground coalmines and four non-coal underground mines are currently operating in Ohio. In overseeing mine safety regulations in Ohio, the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management works with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which has separate federal regulations for mining across the country. Many of the issues studied by the Ohio Underground Mine Safety Task Force are also currently under review by MSHA.
The Ohio Underground Mine Safety Task Force report may be accessed online at ohiodnr.com/mineral/minesafety06.pdf
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