MSHA Issues Mine Rescue & Safety Training Grants

The U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) announced the availability of more than $7.9 million in health & safety training grants being issued by MSHA in fiscal year 2007. The Navajo Nation is receiving a training grant of $25,534.

“These grants are part of MSHA’s ongoing commitment to advance miner safety & health through funding training programs,” said Richard E. Stickler, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety & health.

Grantees will use the funds to provide federally mandated training to miners. The grants cover training & retraining of miners working at surface & underground coal & metal & nonmetal mines, including miners engaged in shell dredging or employed at surface stone & sand & gravel mining operations.

The monetary amount of the grants MSHA is awarding in fiscal year 2007 is the same level as the previous fiscal year, because the federal government currently is operating under a continuing budget resolution from Congress.

Training grant funds will be awarded to every state, except Hawaii, & to the Navajo Nation & Puerto Rico. States apply for the grants, which are administered by state mine inspectors’ offices, state departments of labor or state-supported colleges & universities. Each recipient tailors the program to its state miners’ individual needs & provides technical assistance. The grants will be given to the states upon receipt & approval of their applications.

The state grant program was authorized by the Coal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1969. States 1st received funding in 1971 to provide health & safety training to miners.

MSHA’s primary mission as a federal agency is to help ensure worker safety & health in the nation’s mines.