The free seminar in risk management, electrical safety, emergency preparedness and powered haulage safety has been scheduled for October 12-14 at the Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beckley.

About 60-70 workshops for both coal and metal/nonmetal trainers and officials will be offered during the event, with other topics including Part 46 and Part 48 compliance, communications with independent contractors, the effectiveness of virtual reality training, driver and equipment ergonomics and instructor fundamentals.

“The small group format encourages interaction between the participants and the workshop leaders,” organizers said.

“[It also] provides opportunities for health and safety trainers to improve their training programs with new ideas and new materials.”

The agency will also hold its annual training materials competition in 2010 for those who develop training materials for miners and contractors. Open to entrants from government, academia and industry, it includes categories in print, non-print (such as videos, interactive and presentations) and mixed media.

“The annual competition is an important part of the seminar, and each year MSHA sees programs and materials from more and more contestants,” organizers noted, adding that it is a great opportunity for individuals to be nationally recognized for their efforts.

“The materials [they] develop can have a positive impact on health and safety training at other mining operations. The ultimate goal is to reduce and prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses.”

Exhibits will also be available for guests onsite, featuring materials developed by MSHA, the mining industry and recipients of state project grants.

For more information or to register for the seminar before the September 30 deadline, visit the MSHA web site.