Inaugural Day of Mourning for Miners

Miners' safety is our priority! In this edition, you'll find information about our Inaugural Workers Memorial Day.

Inaugural Workers Memorial Day/Day of Mourning

The Florida Mine Safety Program and the Florida Public Safety Institute held its Inaugural Workers Memorial Day/Day of Mourning for Miners at the Academy Conference Center on April 28, 2016.

Florida Public Safety Institute Director Kim Allen opened the memorial service with a welcome address followed by the honor guard presentation by the Tallahassee Fire Department and the national anthem performed by Maria Sanders of Tallahassee Community College.

While Joe Ashcraft played the bagpipes, the ceremony began with a wreath presentation by Mine Safety and Heath Administration Training Specialist Norberto Ortiz and CCC Group Safety Supervisor Tomas Gomez. During the candle light ceremony, Kimberly Harrison of BASF Corporation presented a hard hat in remembrance of those we have lost on the job due to workplace related hazards and accidents in the mining industry.

Jeff Wharton of JW & Associates paid tribute to miners who have been injured, suffered illness and lost their lives on the job during his invocation and benediction, followed by a greeting from Mine Safety and Health Administration District Manager Samuel Pierce.

Mine Safety and Health Administration Assistant District Manager Doniece Schlick sounded the Honor Bell as an echo of remembrance while Florida Mine Safety Program's Karen Miller called out the names of 15 fallen metal/non-metal miners and 11 fallen coal miners shown below. The ceremony finished with a musical selection by Detective Brian Mitchell with the Florida State Fire Marshall's Office.

Following a delicious breakfast, JW & Associates President Jeremy Wharton delivered a special keynote address, "Are We Ready." Watch a video from his address by clicking on the photos below.

This event symbolized a re-commitment in everyone's role to raise public awareness and prevent further workplace injuries in the mining industry by promoting workplace health and safety. Thank you to all who attended. For those who didn't make it, click the image below to watch a video from the event. We hope to see you at next year's event!

Job Opportunities

If you have a job opening at your organization, send information to [email protected] and we will post it on our LinkedIn group, newsletter and website.

WHO WE ARE

The Florida Mine Safety Program (FMSP) aims to educate those who partake in mining operations by assisting mining companies and mining contractors with their health and safety training. For the past 31 years, the program has operated as a federally-funded grant program under the the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) whose mission is to prevent death, disease and injuries in the mining industry. This is done through a variety of training courses, conferences and informational seminars offered by FMSP. These courses highlight proper emergency evacuation plans, health and safety standards and more. FMSP diligently works to ensure that miners working in both Florida metal and nonmetal operations are aware of the health and safety standards and are effectively trained to take precautionary measures. Through a collaborative effort, FMSP and MSHA Educational Field and Small Mine Services (EFSMS) work together to reduce the frequency and severity of mining accidents and ensure a safe environment for all.