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October 24, 2006
OHIO’S MINE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM WINS FIRST PLACE
IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio’s Mine Safety Program, directed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), won first place in the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration’s annual training materials competition.
The award was presented at a national mine instructors’ conference held recently in West Virginia, where health and safety trainers from across the country gathered to exchange innovative ideas and fresh materials. The training materials competition drew entries from academia, state government and the mining industry. All entries were judged on purpose, delivery systems and content.
This year marks the second time the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management has received a national award for the development of mine safety materials. In 2004, the division was recognized for developing the best new training materials in the nation, indicating the strength of the state’s mine safety training program.
 “We are proud of our division staff’s dedication and hard work in effectively raising miners’ awareness to potential hazards in their industry,” said Mike Sponsler, chief of the Division of Mineral Resources Management. “This award is an acknowledgment of the quality of Ohio’s Mine Safety Training Program.”
The program works to improve health and safety conditions in Ohio’s mines through training of mine employees. In 2005, mine safety inspectors trained 6,861 miners and contractors, more than doubling the number trained in 1998.
Also at the recent conference, State Line Resources of Columbiana County received a Sentinel of Safety Award (small open pit group) for maintaining a low accident record. Additional Ohio mining operations recognized for exceptional safety records were the Sands Hill mine in Jackson County; Buckeye Industrial mine in Columbiana County; East Fairfield mine near Petersburg in Mahoning County and the Olen Corporation Plant in Columbus in Franklin County.
This award, which began seventy-five years ago, is the oldest established award for occupational safety. The program promotes an increased commitment to mine safety and to the continuing development of effective accident prevention programs.
Recognition of both the Ohio Mine Safety Program and individual mining companies demonstrates how working together improves safety for the state’s mine workers who provide the mineral and energy natural resources that improve Ohio’s quality of life.
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