Seven of the fatalities that occurred this year could have been prevented by a thorough workplace examination. Effective workplace examinations can best be achieved by assuring that miners know and understand all of the mine's safety policies and requirements. Everyone at the mine must play a role in identifying and eliminating observed unsafe conditions or practices. Third, we need to direct attention to personal protective equipment. We must stress that mine operators, as well as independent contractors, have responsibility for protecting the health and safety of contractor employees while they work at the operators' mine sites.
Contractors provide important services to the mining industry.
Contract workers must know and understand all of the safety policies and requirements in effect at the mine where they are working. Remember, we can all be distracted from time to time with thoughts of summer vacation, hot weather, and the like. Special attention needs to be paid to safety and health especially in this time of increased production. One suggestion is to take time out now during the peak season to address safety and health with all miners, contractors, and supervisors. We stand ready to provide assistance with training and education.