Training Solutions Seminar July 23-24, 2002 Golden, Colorado POST-SEMINAR SUMMARIES AND INFORMATION

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION SUMMARIES

Question 1: Why is the USWA (and members) opposed to behavior-based safety? Also why opposed to taking responsibility for actions?

First of all, if behavior-based safety were valuable, MSHA would have mandated it. There are issues of management accountability and production pressure to take short cuts. Also, certain companies aren't committed to miner safety.

Question 2: What does the USWA want regarding HazCom?

We feel that operators need to walk their miners through covered chemicals used at the operation on an individual basis (by chemical).

Question 3: How do you think we can get the Western TRAM started?

First, if there is adequate interest in it, then it will go. It will take leadership from MSHA, NIOSH, the Western Mining Resource Center, or individuals here. When questioned about its support, MSHA stated that it would have to determine Western TRAM's viability, and the attendance at this gathering is a questionable level of support.

Question 4: Where is MSHA with Subpart C of Part 48?

It is in process. Please send your written comments.

Question 5: These last two meetings have been good, and I get something from them, but where are results? We need them. What do we do now? What about the needs assessment? What is the best way to get things done?

NIOSH stated they have listened, used the information, and done some things in response, which were presented here. For remaining items to get done, NIOSH could have resources depending on the activity, or could guide you to resources to get it done. USWA thought good points have been made, and movement should occur. It was suggested that WMRC send out a survey and see what was learned at this meeting, and what has been taken away and used.

Question 6: What has happened to the idea of a central repository for training materials?

NIOSH suggested that folks get together, get a plan for activities, and approach NIOSH for resources to get it done.

Question 7: What will MSHA define as a "small mine" in its Office of Small Mines?

MSHA said "5 or fewer miners."

Question 8: What does MSHA mean by "proactive"? How much latitude do we have to make 8-hour training more meaningful?

MSHA interprets "proactive" to mean that the agency's actions will be more prevention of accidents, rather than reacting to them. This means having more focused inspections and great compliance assistance. MSHA feels that annual refresher training is pretty flexible now.

Question 9: What is the MSHA doing to get more documents in Adobe format?

The panelist was not sure, but he thought it might be on-going fairly well. He will need to get an answer.

Question 10: We would like to see a formal policy on Part 48 flexibility. Why must there still be mandated subject matter and times of coverage when things have changed so dramatically since the Act?

MSHA said to send your written comments. USWA stated that flexibility should be in the way you use materials, and in choice of instructors. Flexibility also exists in choosing to go beyond the minimum of 8 hours of annual refresher training.

Question 11: OSHA has moved toward linking training and measuring its successful transfer of information [or outcomes]. What will MSHA do? What does USWA feel is the best way to measure success?

MSHA is not considering regulatory activity on this. The USWA feels that the operators should determine the effectiveness of their training, and no regulatory action is needed. For example, miners who can't read or write should not be penalized with written tests.

Question 12: We understand how MSHA, NIOSH, and States Grants recipients may not want a general materials-posting website, but how could it get done for us?

MSHA said it is interested in posted best practices. NIOSH said it might be able to provide resources, or guide someone to resources, if a planned activity for this was submitted. NIOSH warned about liability. Someone noted that they thought NIOSH had a construction-related page on their web site. The NIOSH panelist was not aware of it.

Question 13: I like the tool box talks and the latent imaging done by NIOSH, are there any more innovative tools coming?

NIOSH noted that the virtual reality materials are progressing. NIOSH does want to ensure that training materials will be evaluated for effectiveness, and will make a difference in incidence rates ultimately. One person in the audience questioned the cost/benefit feasibility of virtual reality training materials.

Question 14: Does the MSHA Academy have any new, exciting materials forthcoming?

The MSHA panelist wasn't sure. MSHA did state that a new self-help model for planning evaluation of training effectiveness is now available.

Question 15: Will the States Grants program continue?

MSHA said it will continue, and it is hoped that sometime it might increase.

Question 16: How can we get more coal participation in this meeting?

They were invited, but something else happened that prevented them from coming.

Question 17: How can we get small mines representatives to attend?

This is probably not going to happen. Minimum workers means they are too busy to attend.

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