What Happened to the Canary in the Coal Mine? 🐦

“Never mind the gas—it was automation that got them in the end.

Throughout much of the 20th century, chirping canaries were staples of the coal mining industry. As coal miners descended into the earth—entering a harsh environment often home to poisonous gasses like carbon monoxide—they would bring the yellow birds along as safety mechanisms. 

Because carbon monoxide is clear and odorless, miners needed a method for detecting a leak before it killed them. In the mine, a canary’s collapse let workers know there was poisonous gas in the air and gave them some warning time to evacuate.”

Read more on the history of the canary in the coal mine by clicking here.

Register now for the 2024 National Holmes Mining Safety and Health Conference planned for June 24-28, 2024 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the latest health and safety solutions.

Register to attend now by clicking here.

Southeast Mine Safety &

 Health Conference

Register now to attend the Southeast Mine Safety & Health Conference!

Where: Conference center at Ross Bridge, 4000 Grand Ave. Hoover, AL 35226

When: October 30th – November 1st, 2024

You can register and find more information by clicking here.

Heat Stress - Health Alert

⚠️ Mining in hot work areas during summer can cause serious health issues for miners. 

Everyone needs to recognize the hazards of heat stress and mine operators should provide heat-stress recognition training, monitoring, and personal protective equipment.

Learn about the signs of heat stress and preventative measures by clicking here.

37th Annual Nevada

Safety Olympiad

Register now to attend the 37th Annual Nevada Safety Olympiad hosted by Kinross Gold- Round Mountain!

Where: Winnemucca Events Complex, 1000 Fairgrounds Rd, Winnemucca, NV 89445

When: July 10th – July 12th, 2024

For more information, visit our events page by clicking here.

5 Safe Machinery

Practices for Miners

In 2023, 16 miners died in incidents caused by a malfunction, improperly maintained, or damaged machinery. Machines are an integral part of the mining process but there are many dangers of working with heavy machinery.

Learn 5 Safe Machinery Practices for Miners from the U.S. DOL by clicking here.

Help Dr. Jeffery Kravitz find a kidney!

YOU can help save the life of a person very dear to the Mine Rescue Community; read below for information on how you can help Dr. Jeffery Kravitz find a kidney.

Help save a life today by clicking here.

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 more than 30 years, the program has operated as a federally-funded grant program under 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.

Disclosure of Federal Participation (Stevens Amendment) 

• The Florida MSHA State Grants Program informs the public that the use of Federal dollars in the Florida Mine Safety Program meets the Stevens Amendment requirement. Bid Solicitations, press releases, various instructional material purchases, training resources, video productions, websites, social media, mine rescue events, staff professional development opportunities, and all engagements have been funded in whole or in part with Federal Entitlement Dollars.  
• This Florida Mine Safety Program Bid Solicitation is fully supported by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA State Grants Program, of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award totaling $195,297.00 with 25% ($48,824.00) from non-governmental sources.  
• This material was produced under Grant Number 23R55MS000018-01-02 from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA State Grants Program, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.