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Status Report on the Recommendations of the Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers



Issue V: Training and Education


    Recommendation Status * Synopses of Agency Actions
No. 12
A
Training programs should be structured & staffed to carry out education & training functions related to dust control issues.
O
Identified specific education & training actions for Agency's consideration.
 
 
 
O
Distributed pocket card on miner rights & operator obligations during nationwide sweep. [12/97]
No. 12
B
Evaluate content, duration, adequacy & method of training for each content area and if required, restructure or expand program.
O
Drafted directive re: Participation in periodic medical examination program. [6/97]
 
 
 
 
Developed proposed media plan to promote participation in medical exams. [6/97]
 
C
Study need for specific training programs for operators/supervisors.
O
Held staff-level discussions in July 1997 to identify topics to be incorporated in a new course whose development is currently under HQ review.
 
D
MSHA personnel receive same dust education & training as miners/supervisors.
O
Course materials, “Industrial Hygiene: Respirable Coal Dust and Silica Sampling” and “Control-Coal Refresher Training” currently under development. Course materials to be available for MSHA and industry training in March 1998.
 
E
All affected miners & supervisors to be educated on any plan changes.
C
Issued directive & hazard info. card re: Performing Onshift Exams. [6/97]
 
F
Certified trainers should use resulting education & training programs for training miners and operators.
O
Drafted directive re: Participation in periodic medical examination program. [6/97]
 
 
 
 
Developed proposed media plan to promote participation in medical exams. [6/97]
 
G
MSHA serve as resource for training materials for certified trainers.
C
Mining Academy serves as clearing house for training materials.
 
H
Expand role of inspectors to improve operator & miner understanding of role of enforcement activities in control of dust & disease
P
Drafted directive re: Use of inspectors to control dust & disease.
 
 
 
 
Drafted pocket card to assist inspectors in discussions w/miners.
 
I
Review, revise, & update dust sampling training & certification program.
R
 
 
J
Require annual update training for certification & maintenance.
R
 
 
K
Retrain/decertify if certified person fails to perform duties properly.
C
Procedures instituted to insure accurate operator samples.

* Status Codes:
C - Effort(s) to address recommendation completed.
P - Effort(s) completed but review & approval pending.
O - Effort(s) ongoing.
R - Requires rulmaking.




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