Conti’s research career began in 19 70 at the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh, which later became the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

His research in the area of coal dust explosion prevention, mine fire control and suppression, mine fire preparedness, and most recently, on mine emergency rescue and response has significantly improved the health and safety of the Nation’s miners.

He was recognized over his career by numerous honors, awards, and letters of recognition. In 1999, he received the CDC/ATSDR Research-Operational Honor Award from CDC Director Jeffrey Koplan for his “Mine Rescue Team Training.”

He received the 1995 Pittsburgh Research Center Publication of the Year - Best Technical Publication in a Peer-Reviewed/Referee Journal for “Inflatable Partitions for High-Expansion Foam Generators”. In 1996 he received The Pittsburgh Research Center In-House Publication of the Year for “A Profile of Workers’ Experiences and Preparedness in Responding to Underground Mine Fires.” Conti authored or coauthored four patent applications of which two have resulted in the patents being granted. The latest patent application is pending.

As part of his mine emergency response and rescue research, Conti developed and evaluated realistic training simulations at Lake Lynn Laboratory and at operating mine sites for mine rescue teams, fire brigades and the general workforce.

“Because of Ron’s diligent efforts, many technologies were identified or developed for mine rescue teams and emergency responders,” NIOSH said in an announcement to employees. “These include identifying team members in smoke-filled entries with chemical lightshapes and light vests, vision enhancement by seeing through smoke with thermal imaging cameras, improved communication systems, lighted team lifelines and lasers for escape, the use of strobe lights to map escapeways in smoke-filled entries, and the use of inflatable devices for personnel escape and fire suppression.”

Conti’s efforts have been so successful that MSHA and many U.S. mine rescue teams employ this technology, and numerous Mine Rescue Stations from around the world, including Poland, Australia and South Africa have been in contact with him concerning the results and use of this technology.

“Another of Ron’s most significant accomplishments was the development of an underground coal mine fire preparedness and response checklist. The checklist is a data collection instrument used to profile both fire prevention and response capabilities for a mine site. This significant tool encompasses conditions, procedures and equipment that have been frequently identified as the primary or contributing cause of underground coal mine fires.

“The checklist summary gives the mining company an instant picture of their fire preparedness and response capabilities and can also be used as a training tool for their miners,” NIOSH said.

“Ron will be greatly missed by those of us at the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory and NIOSH and his many friends throughout the mining community. Through his tireless efforts, Ron leaves behind a legacy of contributions to miner health and safety.”