Training and Accident Reduction Program

Accident Reduction Program		Technical Specialists/Trainers
Small Mine Safety Service		2009 Training Calendar - PDF Format

Improvements in health and safety performance at coal mines have resulted from technology and engineering advances, enforcement of effective laws, rules and regulations and the development of skilled and well trained miners.  All three areas of focus are important to the process of safe and efficient coal mining operations now and in the future.

Managing and controlling the human factors in the coal mining environment which impact health and safety presents great challenge and opportunity.  The Division of Mines is committed to providing mine operators assistance in developing and delivering quality training and accident prevention programs which help prepare and equip miners for the challenges faced daily in Virginia's coal mines. 

Accident Reduction Program (ARP)
The Division of Mines Accident Reduction Program provides operator assistance, which is designed to help control the causes of accidents and other *downgrading incidents in order to reduce personal injuries, fatalities, and property loss.   The ARP technical  specialists target small mine operations employing less than fifty miners and independent contractors working at Virginia coal mines.  These experienced and well trained specialists work directly with miners in their work environment performing planned job observations and reviewing safe job procedures and relevant laws, rules, and regulations.  Feed back and safety tips are given directly to the miners and operators.  The specialists work with miners and operators to identify problems and develop appropriate action plans.

Follow-up visits are conducted to evaluate implementation of action plans and assess accomplishments and/or the need for change.   The ARP specialists also assist other Division staff in developing and distributing relevant mine safety information and other training aids.

*  Downgrading:  a professional loss control term for any incident or accident which potentially or actually causes personal or property loss.

Small Mine Safety Service (SMSS)
The Division of Mines Small Mine Safety Service is a voluntary, on-site safety awareness, training and technical assistance program for selected mines that have contracted for services with the Division.  The specialized program is provided only to mines that employ less than 25 people since these mining operations do not typically have the training resources or the technical expertise to implement an accident reduction program.

The Division of Mines SMSS provides participating mines services that have proven to be effective in preventing mining accidents and occupational illnesses.   Three Technical Specialists with extensive mining experience and training expertise provide the services.  The SMSS staff and other DM Technical Specialists assist mine operators with a variety of other mine related services, including roof control, ventilation, electricity, mine plans and other problem areas.  Qualifying mines interested in participating in the SMSS should make application with the Division.

Technical Specialists/Trainers
The Division of Mines employs two Technical Instructors that provide various types of certification training, annual retraining, and continuing education training.   All training pertains to critical health and safety issues in the mining industry and helps to prevent mining accidents.   The Technical Instructors and other DM staff provide the following training:

• Underground Retraining
• Surface Independent Contractor Retraining
• Underground New Miner Training
• Electrical Retraining
• Chief Electrician Underground and Surface
• Maintenance Foreman Underground and Surface
• Electrical Repairman Underground and Surface
• General Coal Miner Certification Underground
• General Coal Miner Certification Surface
• Advance First Aid Certification
• Gas Detection Certification
• Diesel Mechanic Certification Underground
• Continuing Education for Underground Foreman
• Continuing Education for Surface Foreman
• Underground Foreman Certification
• Surface Foreman Certification
• MSHA Electrical Reinstatement
• Hoisting Engineer
• Certified Shot Firer Surface Blaster
• Preparation Plant Foreman
• First Aid Instructor
• Automatic Elevator Operator
• Surface Facilities Foreman, Shops, Laboratories, Warehouses

Division training seminars are scheduled regularly as needed and the public is notified in advance.  Classes are offered at various locations and times convenient for coal mining personnel.

Instructor training manuals and other mine safety information such as safety alerts, monthly safety talks, and job safety observations information are available and distributed at the local and national level.

How to Contact Us - State Employee Directory Search