The MSHA Training Program will also provide an extensive series of services to its participants and the mining industry.  Plans include:

1) Annual “special topic” seminars on such topics as:
     a) Overexposure to noise (and sensory loss resulting from noise); 
     b) Dangers of breathing coal or silica dust which ultimately leads to occupational diseases such as black lung or silicosis); and
     c) Exposure to hazardous materials (HazMat) and communication about hazardous materials (HazCom);
     d) Drug and alcohol abuse.

2) Action-oriented newsletters, produced by Vincennes University, for the mining industry which will disseminate information (e.g. inform mine operators and safety directors about statewide events for professional development for miners in mine health and safety). VU will produce bi-annual newsletters (sent to mines via postal service, fax, and email, as well as being made available online). Topics in the newsletters will be inclusive of all of Indiana’s mining industry.

3) Refer mine operators to community-based mental health centers if they have  employees suspected of abusing alcohol and/or drugs;

4) Regular safety seminars and meetings, through which a safety advisory committee  will be formed to help Vincennes University respond to the needs of miners.  The committee will be made of VU instructors, mine operators (from large and small mines), and representatives from each of the major mining industries in Indiana (coal, metal, non-metal, sand/gravel, etc.). In addition, the committee will seek to include one non-voting person from MSHA.

5) Video dissemination services, offered both via internet-delivery and DVD/VHS archival format for mine operators to supplement health and safety training;

6) The development of one (1) training manual annually, specific to the mining industry (coal, sand/gravel, metal, non-metal, and aggregates). VU will also work with the mining directors to update all training manuals to include current MSHA health and safety standards;

7) Regular training sessions that include:
     a) the annual supervisor first aid/CPR refresher training for surface and underground miners and contractors;
     b) independent contractor training;
     c) ‘Train the Trainer’ courses and crisis management courses;
     d) Part 46 and Part 48 New Miner Training;
     e) Part 46 and Part 48 Experienced Miner Training;
     f) Part 46 and Part 48 Annual Refresher Training for surface and underground miners;
    g) the eight hour annual refresher training for underground miners;
     h) electrical recertification training for surface and underground miners;
      i) training for supervisors.

     
8) Producing new instructional videos (on VHS and DVD) that support the program objectives by:
    a) reinforcing the training provided by Vincennes University;
    b) providing content that specific to particular mines and/or mining operations (industries);
    c) utilizing closed captioning technology to offer instant foreign language translations; and
    d) including interactive content on the DVD’s which will increase the retention of participants by allowing them to interact with the programming.     

9) An evaluation form for all miners which will guide the progress and success of Vincennes University’s mining health and training instruction. This evaluation will also be a process for measuring the impact/results of the efforts put forth to achieve the goals and objectives of the program. 

10) A stand-alone website for Indiana Mine Safety and Health instruction and training that will be used for information dissemination (hosted by Vincennes University).

For more information contact:

Ron Bucci, Mining Program Director
Technology Center, Room 422
Office: 812-888-5032
Fax: 812-888-5930
E-mail: rbucci@vinu.edu

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