South African Mine Inspectors To Get Crash Course in U.S. Mine Safety Practices

The U. S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will host a delegation of 10 mine inspectors from the Republic of South Africa for the next four weeks, giving the visitors a thorough review of mine safety and health principles, practices and techniques as conducted in the United States.

"Having the South African mine inspectors here gives us a wonderful opportunity to share the rich knowledge our countries have gained over the years in dealing with health and safety problems in their respective countries," said Davitt McAteer, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "It is most appropriate that we face the critical challenge of safer and more healthful mines together. We welcome this unique exchange of information, ideas, and concepts all aimed at improving miner safety and health in both nations."

The group, which arrived in Washington, D.C., yesterday, will spend the majority of their time in the U.S. at MSHA's National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beckley, W.Va., where they will receive extensive information on mine inspection procedures, drilling and blasting, mine ventilation, industrial hygiene, mine rescue, and accident investigation in the U.S. MSHA officials will also lead the inspectors on a tour of one or more coal mines near the Beckley area, giving the group a glimpse of American mining techniques and practices.

According to the South African Department of Minerals and Energy, there are nearly 500,000 mine workers employed in that nation. The U.S. currently has about 337,000 miners. In 1997, the Republic of South Africa extensively amended the nation's mine safety laws, in part adopting some American-style provisions for use in its new legislation.

"This visit gives the South African mine inspectors an opportunity to see first-hand how U.S. mine safety and health legislation has worked to help improve the mining workplace," said McAteer.

MSHA inspects all U.S. mining operations for adherence to federal safety and health regulations. The agency also investigates all fatal mining accidents in the country. MSHA conducts training on mine safety and health subjects and distributes publications through its National Mine Health and Safety Academy.