The publication, “One Hundred Years of Federal Mining Safety and Health Research,” provides a snapshot of the progress to provide miners with a safe work environment, and a detailed organizational history of the federal program.
Covering the events behind the beginnings of mine safety and health research in the U.S., the author looks at both the historical events that influenced the research, as well as the significant improvements made as a result of new methods and technologies that came out of the research. The major accomplishments highlighted include: Preventing explosions and fires; controlling respirable dust that causes debilitating and potentially fatal lung diseases; controlling noise exposures that can lead to hearing loss; securing and holding up mine roofs to prevent deadly roof collapses; and providing safety training for miners and mine operators.
“Mining continues to play a vital role in our nation’s economy, and keeping miners safe on the job pays dividends in keeping families secure, communities stable, and companies competitive,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “This is a great opportunity to reflect back on a century of work and look to the future on how we will continue to meet the challenges to ensure the safety and health of miners.”
