Agency representative Terry Bentley confirmed for International Longwall News that the final attendance tally for the event was 296, breaking down to: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (4), state government (14), United Mine Workers of America (6), West Virginia University (3), industry (182) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (87).

MSHA took the opportunity at the event to discuss its draft seal report, which included the findings of what some have said are hundreds of unsafe seals in mines throughout the US.

An official response to International Longwall News from the agency is still pending at press time, but Bentley did confirm that the discussion led by NIOSH representative Dr. Carl Ziph was “very helpful to many attendees”.

He added that the feedback received thus far has been positive: “Several stakeholders stated that they thought the summit was beneficial, and numerous MSHA attendees said the session was constructive.”

While no final decisions have yet been made, Bentley said the agency anticipates that the summit will be a one-time event because of its impetus. “This session was driven primarily by MSHA's need to develop policies and procedures relative to bleeder systems and seals. It is unlikely that such policy development would occur annually.”

“We were pleased that we had the perspectives shared from various viewpoints for balance. We thank everyone for their interest and attendance,” Bentley said

Check back with International Longwall News for an upcoming interview about the NIOSH's draft seals report discussed at last week’s event and the reaction to it from industry.