January 2018
In this edition of the Florida Mine Safety Program e-newsletter, you'll find information on Florida's Inaugural Surface Mining Emergency Response Training and Competition, our advisory board spotlight and more.


Registration Deadline Fast Approaching!

The Florida Mine Safety Program's (FMSP) Inaugural Surface Mining Emergency Response Training and Competition is just ONE MONTH away, and the registration deadline is Feb. 19! The upcoming event will be held at the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI), located just northwest of Tallahassee, Florida. It will provide valuable opportunities for Emergency Response Teams to test and hone their skills across a wide range of realistic emergency response scenarios. 
A Non-Competitor Participant registration option is now available for those who wish to attend the competition but not compete.

Click below to visit our website, where you will be able to register to participate as a team, vendor or non-competitor; view the event agenda; and browse the competition rules. If you would prefer to contact Karen Miller directly to get involved, please call (850) 201-7689 or email [email protected]
Competition FAQ

You have questions, and we have answers! 

What can we expect from Wednesday's Field Practical? 

As per MSHA Representatives, the Wednesday Field Exercise/Scenario WILL NOT INCLUDE High Angle Rescue and/or Repelling. However, we recommend you take the tour of the Academy and watch a demo during the Rope Awareness Training Class!

How will this contest affect our ranking and standings with Nationals and Regional Competitions?

Attending the competition DOES NOT AFFECT your National Standing/Ranking and other competitions. Points accumulated in this competition will only be used to establish your ranking in THIS competition.

For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, click below.
Calling All Prospective Vendors!

Are you looking to promote your business or product? Do you need a prime location to showcase your services and products to those in the mining and emergency response industry? Consider registering as a vendor at our Surface Mining Emergency Response and Training Competition! We are looking for vendors and sponsors to attend our Vendor Exhibition scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27 and Wednesday, Feb. 28. Click below to  view the updated vendor schedule and register for the event. 
Mining Student Seeking Team for Competition

Ashley Larson, a current mining engineering student at the Madisonville Community College - College of Engineering is hoping to join a team for our Inaugural Surface Mining Emergency Response Training & Competition. If any team is interested in adding one more team member, please reach out to her directly at [email protected].
Hotel Accommodations

Still searching for a play to stay during the competition? Below are additional lodging options. 

Lodging Options

Country Inn & Suites
85 River Park Drive
Midway, Florida 32343
866-238-4218

Residence Courtyard
1972 Raymond Diehl Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
850-422-0600
Anyone with a success story, promotion, work anniversary, award or employee recognition can submit to be featured in our monthly spotlight at [email protected].

Save the Date: Miners' Memorial Breakfast
Be sure to set aside some time to attend the Miners' Memorial Breakfast on Monday, April 30 from 8 a.m. - noon. Held at the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI), the event serves as recognition of the Annual Day of Mourning for Miners, remembering those who have been severely injured, suffered illness or died while on the job due to workplace-related hazards and incidents in the mining industry. The ceremony includes a candle lighting, moment of silence and a call out of fallen workers.
Advisory Board Spotlight

Karonica Brice 


Karonica Brice, FMSP Advisory Board member and Aggregates Safety Manager for CEMEX Construction Materials, was the keynote speaker during the 2017 Annual Day of Mourning for Miners at FPSI.


JD Verschuere

We are pleased to welcome JD Verschuere as the newest member of our Advisory Board! 


JD started his career with a roofing building supply company where he worked for 14 years. He began as a helper on a truck and learned the in's and out's of the business by driving trucks, managing the warehouse, operating every piece of equipment, training others to drive and operate, inside sales and administrative work and finally moving into management as a General Manager. From there, he moved onto a liquor distributor for four years as a Transportation Manager, supervising 60 drivers and 40 warehouse associates. Since 2014, he has worked in the Safety Department with Sims Crane & Equipment conducting safety meetings, investigating accidents and injuries, providing training to employees and contractors, performing job site and branch audits and handling loss and damage claims pertaining to accidents and workers' compensation. 

His extensive background with DOT knowledge has kept Sims in compliance. He has since been involved with a diverse contractor list, including electrical workers and miners. JD's passion for ensuring others are able to return home to their families each day is what drives him to strive for a constant gathering and sharing of education and knowledge.

Born and raised in Tampa, Fla. he has a love for fishing. Previously, JD had a successful career playing football for Arena and Semi-Pro teams.
MSHA Awards Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Federal Grant for Mining Safety Courses
The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently awarded Tallahassee Community College (TCC) with a $160,297 grant, as part of a federal effort to reduce mining accidents, injuries and illnesses by supporting mining safety and health courses. Congratulations, TCC! Click below to read the full article. 

December Events Recap

We had a great time at the Florida Public Safety Institute holiday party and Star & Shield's holiday luncheon! Click below to see our photo galleries of the events.

We'd love to see any photos you've taken at mine safety events. For a chance to be featured in this section of our e-newsletter, make sure to tag any photos you've uploaded with #FlaMineSafety or email them to us directly at [email protected].




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 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.

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