Spring Safety

Time to spring into safe mining practices! In this edition, you'll find information about the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, mining equipment safety inspections, the 10th annual Women in History Program, our annual refresher course and job opportunities.

Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration

T he Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) is a professional society whose more than 15,000 membership represents all professionals serving the minerals industry in more than 100 countries. SME members include engineers, geologists, metallurgists, educators, students and researchers. SME advances the worldwide mining and underground construction community through information exchange and professional development.

The Annual Barbecue for Scholarships hosted by the Florida Section of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration is April 9 in Lakeland, Florida. The Annual Barbecue raises money for the Student Relations Program which supports students and teachers interested in the mining and technical industries.

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The Importance of Mining Equipment Safety Inspections

The Mine Safety and Health Administration's Standard 14.100 covers safety defects, examination, correction and records in the workplace. Work place examinations are crucial in the mining environment to identify, report and neutralize hazards. The standard infractions include incidents with incomplete inspections of conveyor belts, horn and back up alarms on self propelled mobile equipment, hand tools and electrical tools. The video above identifies the nine road blocks or inappropriate behavior patterns that interfere with a complete pre-shift inspection or prevent that inspection all together.

Celebrating Women's History Month

and Women in Mining

In honor of Women's History Month, the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI) held the 10th annual Women in History Program at the FPSI Conference Center on March 29. Judge Stephanie W. Ray from the Florida First District Court of Appeal served as the guest speaker. The event honored women in public service and government.

Today, women are more active in the mining industry than ever before and thanks to the association, Women in Mining, as well as the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, females are encouraged to break barriers and dig deep into the ground!

Annual Refresher Training

The Florida Mine Safety Program is dedicated to providing miners with adequate training to prevent accidents in the workplace. Our Annual Refresher Course keeps miners updated with their safety training. The course covers:

Changes at the mine or plant which may affect miners' safety or health
Mandatory health and safety standards.
Transportation controls and communication systems
Escape and emergency evacuation plans: fire warnings and fire fighting
Ground control; working in areas of, high walls, water hazards, pits, and spoil banks; illumination and night work
First aid
Electrical hazards
Prevention of accidents
Health
Explosives
Self-rescue and respiratory devices

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.