Be Mined

We hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day! In this edition, you'll find information about the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association, TCC Public Safety's First Responder Appreciation Event, MSHA Alerts and job opportunities.

Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association

The Florida Mine Safety Program is proud to partner with the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association (JAHSA), keeping the mining industry safe for the past 100 years. JAHSA is a nonprofit organization that began in 1916 to promote health and safety in the mining industry and consists of representatives from federal and state governments, mining organizations and labor.

The Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association and the Holmes Mine Rescue Association Annual Meeting and Training Seminar will be held in Branson, MO on June 28-30, 2016. The meeting will provide a variety of safety and health and mine rescue workshops presented by experts from around the U.S. and Canada, representing all sectors of mining.

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TCC's Public Safety Institute Honors First Responders

On Jan. 7, 2016, Tallahassee Community College and its Florida Public Safety Institute held a ceremony to recognize law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs who bravely risk their lives every day to protect our families, visitors and businesses. First responders from all across the Big Bend showed up to not only be recognized but also to honor those who have fallen in 2015. Check out a video from the event.

MSHA "Machinery and Equipment Hazards" Alert

Since 2011, 16 metal and nonmetal miners have died in accidents involving machinery and non-haulage mobile and quarry equipment, and many more have been seriously injured or disabled. MSHA plans to continue walk and talks at mine sites and enlist the partnership of mines, miners and mining industry groups in the effort to raise safety consciousness, stay safety-vigilant 24/7 and send miners home every day at the end of their shift. This month MSHA welcomes the assistance of its alliance partner the National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association in this safety outreach. The Machinery and Equipment Hazards Alert can be found on MSHA's website. For more information on the mining deaths attributable to machinery and non-haulage mobile and quarry equipment operation, and for best practices to prevent such accidents view MSHA's Fatalgrams.

Job Opportunities

Tallahassee Community College is looking for employers to participate in its Spring Part-Time Job Fair March 2, 2016 from 9 a.m. to noon. More than 280 people attended the job fair last spring. Employers looking to fill part-time positions or internships should attend. Details and registration are available online or by calling (850) 201-9970.

Prince Contracting has available opportunities for Field Safety Coordinators in Pensacola, Pompano Beach (this will be open in four to six months and will require a full time SHEMS Coordinator on site, no travel to other projects) and the Tampa area. Vehicle, cell phone, laptop, safety equipment and training will be provided. Construction experience needed. For more information on the position, visit the company's website. If interested, email resume to Orlando Porrata at [email protected].

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.