The grants will provide safety and health training for more than 200,000 miners throughout America.

 

Some state recipients have developed videos, DVDs, and other training materials, while other states have assisted mine operators to produce training plans covering topics required under federal regulations in the past.

 

Past training topics have included hazard recognition; accident prevention; occupational health; roof and ground control; ventilation; mine rescue; mine emergency operations; and certification for various jobs ranging from electricians to hoisting engineers.

 

Kentucky received the most funding at $603,327. Other funding included Alabama $183,569; Colorado $202,011; Illinois $211,381; New Mexico $138,633; Ohio $252,262; Pennsylvania $491,564; Utah $165,572; Virginia $255,564; West Virginia $535,860 and; Wyoming $176,831.

 

Grants are administered by state mine inspectors’ offices, state departments of labor, or state-supported colleges and universities. States apply for the grants. Each recipient tailors the program to its state miners’ individual needs and provides technical assistance.

 

The state grant program started in 1969 under the Coal Mine Safety and Health Act. The 1977 amendments to the act authorized the Mine Safety and Health Administration to spend up to $10 million annually to assist states in providing health and safety training to miners.