US Department of Labor Launches App to Provide Miners Access to Health, Safety, Miners’ Rights Information

Original article published by OSHA

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration today launched an app for use on iPhone and Android devices that will help get timely information directly to miners and members of the mining community.

The app allows miners to easily use the tool at mine sites and outside of working hours to search for best safety and health practices and find resources on understanding their rights and responsibilities under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The app also sends users notifications of mining accidents and how to prevent them.

The app is divided into five main sections:

• Safety Topics.
• Health Topics.
• Miners’ Rights.
• About MSHA.
• A Contact Us section.

“Miners nationwide can now access important safety and health and miners’ rights information in the palm of their hands,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson.

Traditionally, miners have received safety and health information from several sources, including their unions, miners’ representatives, their mine’s safety office or managers, training programs, MSHA inspectors, and industry stakeholder groups. Although those remain important avenues to reach miners, technology has made it possible for miners to research information directly. MSHA has collaborated with mining stakeholders on accessibility for miners and developed various design features throughout the application in response to stakeholders.

“This new, innovative tool is another technical and educational resource to empower miners and help them play active roles in mine safety and health; even so, the Mine Act is clear that mine operators have the primary responsibility to maintain safe and healthy working conditions and provide regular and thorough training to miners,” Williamson added.

‍