What is the MSHA Alliance Program?
MSHA's Alliance program enables organizations committed to mine safety and health to collaborate with MSHA to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. MSHA and its allies work together to reach out to, educate, and lead the nation's mine operators and miners in improving and advancing mine safety and health. Alliances are formed by MSHA headquarters senior staff after initial discussions with an organization interested in collaborating with MSHA.
Why participate in an Alliance?
There are many benefits to participating in an Alliance with MSHA. Through this program, organizations will:
- Build trusting, cooperative relationships with the Agency
- Network with others committed to mine safety and health
- Leverage resources to maximize miner safety and health protection
Who can participate in an Alliance?
Alliances are open to all groups, including:
- Trade associations
- Labor organizations
- Professional societies
- Government agencies
In some cases, organizations may be cooperating with MSHA for the first time. In others, they may be building on existing relationships with the Agency that were developed through other collaborations.
How do Alliances work?
There are few formal program requirements for Alliances, and the agreements do not include an enforcement component. However, MSHA and the participating organization must define, implement, and meet a set of short- and long-term goals that fall into at least one of the following categories: Training and Education, Outreach and Communications, Technical Assistance, and Promoting the National Dialogue on Mine Safety and Health.
What happens after the Alliance is signed?
MSHA and its allies will form an implementation team. The team will be responsible for developing strategies and implementing programs or processes to meet the mutually defined goals.