Today, for our field enforcement personnel, MSHA is developing a comprehensive, user-friendly database specifically designed more quickly to identify just where in the metal and nonmetal mining industry the most serious, persistent silica problems are found. Slated for completion soon, the database incorporates results of silica samples taken by MSHA for the last several years. This database will help MSHA increase its focus on the sectors of the industry, geographic regions, and even the specific mines in greatest need of attention. The same information can be valuable to the whole mining community. We already have requests from industry for us to share this database under development, and we will release it as soon as it is complete and field-tested by our inspectors.
More information also is needed on cases of silicosis in the mining industry.
Unfortunately, there has been some confusion about the requirement to report illnesses. Our illness data are less than complete. To encourage complete reporting and improve our data, MSHA is starting an informational campaign to explain our occupational illness reporting requirements. Accurate occupational illness reporting is critical to determine if controls have been effective in preventing disease. Finally, we need to integrate sampling data, the illness data, and the best thinking of the mining community into action.