Tag: #training

US Department of Labor announces availability of Brookwood-Sago grants to promote mine safety, health education, training

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by MSHA
Program will award up to $1M in grants to support mining community

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $1 million in grant funding through its Brookwood-Sago grant program, which supports the delivery of education and training to the nation’s mining community to help them identify, avoid and prevent unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.

Established by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, the program honors 25 miners who perished in disasters in 2001 at the Jim Walter Resources #5 mine in Brookwood, Alabama, and in 2006 in Buckhannon, West Virginia, at the Sago mine.

Administered by the department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, the grants will fund education and training programs focused on workplace safety and health hazards faced by miners. These hazards include:

  • Exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica.
  • Safe use of powered haulage and mobile equipment.
  • Mine emergency and mine rescue preparedness.
  • Electrical safety.
  • Insufficient training of new and inexperienced miners.
  • Lack of training for managers and supervisors performing mining tasks.
  • Pillar safety for underground mines.
  • Lack of personal protective equipment to prevent falls from heights and other unsafe conditions.

The program aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to improve the safety and working conditions for nation’s miners.

In awarding the grants, MSHA will give special emphasis to education and training programs that target miners at smaller mines and underserved populations in the industry and make diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility priorities.

Learn more or submit a grant application. The closing date for applications is July 21, 2023. MSHA will award grants on or before Sept. 30, 2023.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Be ready for an emergency

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by Safety+Health

Photo: American Red Cross

Do your workers know how to respond to emergency situations?

These can include fires or explosions, chemical or oil spills, toxic gas releases, severe weather, workplace violence incidents, and medical emergencies.

Workers should be trained on:

  • How to report an emergency.
  • How to respond when an emergency alarm goes off.
  • When to shelter in place and the location of the nearest safe refuge.
  • When to evacuate, as well as where the nearest emergency exit is and where to gather outside away from danger.
  • Who to call, including the safety leaders, safety responders and first aid responders.

The first week of June is recognized as National CPR and AED Awareness Week. When an emergency arises, workers who know CPR and how to use an AED can help save lives.

A new solution: With drug overdoses, particularly from opioids and fentanyl, on the rise, NSC is recommending that all employers have naloxone nasal spray available in their first aid supplies. Employers should also provide naloxone training to all employees.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

In the works: Training program on psychological safety in construction

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by Safety+Health
sh.051623.roadWrk.web.jpg

Photo: Missouri Department of Transportation/Flickr

Pullman, WA — A construction worker turned college professor is developing training aimed at strengthening psychological safety in the construction industry.

Hongtao Dang, assistant professor of construction management at Washington State University, will work with construction firms to gather data and information for case studies, according to a university press release. Those studies are expected to aid in the development of student and instructor manuals to be used in training modules.

“Each manual includes a case study that will be based on real work scenarios, with any identifying information about the project or people removed,” the release states. “The scenarios will be focused on inclusion, diversity and equity; professional development and personal growth; mental health and team success; and active care and suicide prevention.

“After being presented with a case study, the workers will have the chance to think about, discuss and share solutions in small groups. The trainer later helps the group understand what might be an optimal solution.”

Dang is using a grant from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industry to fund the development of the program, which builds on his previous work on DEI training for construction safety managers.

“I know what the jobsite culture looks like – how good or bad it can be,” he said. “From that experience, I think it’s important for me to be a catalyst to potentially transform the jobsite culture and to make it more inclusive and safer for people to work there. If we can improve psychological safety on the jobsite, we can improve productivity, safety and project quality. … Every person who works on the jobsite deserves to be safe.”

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

US Department of Labor announces $10.5M funding availability to support mine safety, health training, education

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

US Department of Labor announces $10.5M funding availability to support mine safety, health training, education
Grants to support underserved mines, miners
Original article published by MSHA

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration is making $10.5 million grant funding available to help provide mine safety training for the nation’s miners.

MSHA will award these grants as part of its fiscal year 2023 State Grants program to fund the delivery of federally mandated training and re-training for miners working at surface and underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines.

State, tribal, and territorial governments are eligible recipients in the agency’s State Grants Program. MSHA may fund up to 80 percent of the program costs under a state grant, with the recipient required to provide at least 20 percent of the total program costs.

MSHA recognizes state training programs are a key source of the mine safety and health training and education. The agency encourages state programs to use grants to make training a priority for small mining operations and underserved mines and miners, such as miners employed in shell dredging and surface stone, sand, and gravel mines. The agency also emphasizes training on miners’ statutory rights under the Mine Safety and Health Act.

Grant applications must be submitted by June 12, 2023, and grants will be awarded on or before Sept. 30, 2023.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month: An opportunity to dialogue with employees

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by J.J. Keller

Train on the dangers of multitasking while driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness month. The annual safety campaign promotes discussion on risky driving behaviors, which cost over 3,500 people their lives in 2021.

Dialogue on distracted driving is not just for commercial drivers. Any employee who operates a fleet vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of your company should be trained on the dangers of distracted driving.

Keep your employees engaged during training

The topic of distracted driving has been promoted for several years. As a result, getting your employees’ attention may take some creativity, since some may have become desensitized to the message on the dangers of distracted driving.

Consider the following training tips:

  • Use real-life examples of crashes and the impact on those involved (fatality, injuries, jail time, financial ruin).
  • Have the trainees come up with a list of distractions, which forces them to think about the impact of multitasking while driving. Let them know it is more than just cell phone use. Tasks might include using a GPS, eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio, seats, mirrors, and vehicle’s temperature.
  • Illustrate how far a vehicle travels at 60 mph when performing different tasks.
  • Familiarize participants with your corporate policy on distracted driving.
  • Discuss appropriate actions to avoid multitasking while driving (pull over, adjust equipment prior to driving).

Use of technology

The use of a vehicle’s telematic data or dash cam video clip can help detect and reduce distractions.

The intent of monitoring drivers is not to punish them. It is to help prevent a serious crash. Those drivers identified as having close calls should be spoken with, coached, and/or required to take corrective action training.

This article was written by Kathy Close of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, USDOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.

National Mining Association

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by MSHA

Alliance Signed: February 11, 2003
Renewed: March 29, 2023

Photo: NMA

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Mining Association (NMA) recognize the value of continuing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful working conditions at the Nation’s mining and milling operations.

MSHA and NMA hereby renew their Alliance under the authority of 30 U.S.C. § 962 to provide coal and metal and nonmetal mining personnel with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help protect the health and safety of those working at coal and metal and nonmetal mines, and in preparation plants and mills.

MSHA and NMA will work together to achieve the following education and training goals designed to improve worker health and safety:

  • Provide information, education, training, and technical assistance to raise safety and health awareness within the coal and metal and nonmetal mining industry and to help prevent injuries and illnesses and protect worker safety and health;
  • Conduct annual summary analyses of incidence rates for coal and metal and nonmetal mines, preparation plants and mills, and perform worker injury and illness case studies to identify hazardous safety and health conditions and practices;
  • Analyze injury, illness, and citation data to develop training and education tools to improve injury and illness incidence rates;
  • Develop education and training programs for operator and contractor employees working at coal and metal and nonmetal mines and in preparation plants and mills;
  • Develop and share best practices and effective approaches to improve operator and contractor safety and health at coal and metal and nonmetal mines and in preparation plants and mills;
  • Collaborate on emergency response, rescue and recovery techniques for facility operations located at coal and metal and nonmetal mines, preparation plants and mills;
  • Develop resources to support excellence in mine rescue preparedness and keep current a centralized data bank of mine emergency preparedness capabilities, equipment and resources that will be available to mine safety personnel in the event of a mine emergency, disaster, or rescue;
  • Ensure that health and safety programs are fair and inclusive, and reach all persons in the industry workforce, including those who do not speak English as their primary language; and
  • Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available, accessible, and suitably fitted to all workers in the industry, including those who are hard to fit, and that workers understand how and when to properly use PPE.

MSHA and NMA will strive to achieve the following outreach and communications goals:

  • Provide statistical information regarding injuries and illnesses that occur in coal and metal and nonmetal mines and in preparation plants and mills;
  • Develop and disseminate information on worker safety and health issues at conferences, events or through print and electronic media, including links from MSHA’s and NMA’s websites;
  • Raise awareness and demonstrate commitment to worker safety and health whenever MSHA or NMA leaders address groups;
  • Convene or participate in workshops, conferences, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings to forge innovative solutions to worker health and safety issues;
  • Collaborative exchange of timely information on Injury and Employment data; and
  • Publicize the results of worker injury and illness case studies through print, electronic media, promotion at conferences, or other means of outreach.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Women In Mining

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by MSHA

Alliance signed: March 24, 2023

Photo:  U.S. Department of Labor

WIM USA and MSHA will work together to achieve the following training and education goals:

  • Update and develop education and training program resources for outreach efforts used to educate various audiences about the mining industry;
  • Ensure that health and safety programs are fair and inclusive and reach all persons in the industry workforce, including persons with limited English proficiency or low-literacy skills; and
  • Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available, accessible, and suitably fitted to all workers in the industry, including those who are hard to fit, and that workers understand how and when to properly use PPE.

MSHA and WIM USA will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:

  • Develop and disseminate information through print, electronic media, and links from MSHA’s and WIM USA’s websites;
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at WIM USA conferences, local meetings, or other training events;
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at MSHA and industry training events such as the Training Resources Applied to Mining Conference (TRAM), the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association’s National Meeting, and National Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench, and Technician Team Contest and other mine rescue contest training;
  • Share information on best practices through training and education programs and materials; and
  • Identify and publish health and safety practices that address equitable and inclusive workplace needs and practices.

WIM USA and MSHA will work together to achieve the following goals related to promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:

  • Convene or participate in workshops, conferences, roundtable discussions, or other meetings to forge innovative solutions to worker health and safety issues at mines, with emphasis on workplace equity and inclusion.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Do your organization’s safety efforts measure up?

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by Safety+Health

The-State-of-Safety-2023.jpg

Photo: AlertMedia

Austin, TX — Three out of 4 workers aren’t satisfied with their employers’ safety efforts, results of a recent survey show.

Researchers at AlertMedia, a threat intelligence and emergency communication provider, surveyed a nationally representative group of nearly 2,100 U.S. adults who work full-time. Most of the workers (71%) said their organizations aren’t following through on safety promises, and 65% suggested their employers aren’t doing enough to improve safety training.

Nearly half (46%) of the workers indicated that safety is a factor they consider when determining whether they’ll stay with their organizations.

Other results:

  • 84% of the workers think their employers could better prepare them and their co-workers for emergencies.
  • 40% believe safety training should be “mandatory and regular.”
  • 40% would feel unsafe at work if their employer didn’t notify them about a safety incident.

“Ensuring employees feel safe and valued at work will require better training, more effective communication about safety plans and policies, and plenty of consistency and transparency about how safety incidents are being handled across the organization,” a report detailing the survey findings states.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

USDOT Announces State and Local Funding to Improve Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Safety Nationwide

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by USDOT

Funding available to train firefighters and other first responders as well as support States and localities for hazardous material safety

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced more than $25 million available in grant funding through its pipeline and hazardous materials safety programs. These grants are for projects that will train first responders, strengthen safety programs, improve safety, reduce environmental impacts, and educate the public on local safety initiatives. This includes projects that provide support to state inspectors for hazardous materials shipments and pipelines inspections, important safety training and educational programs for emergency response, and advance¬ innovative safety technologies.

“We need to make sure our first responders are ready to respond to emergencies involving pipelines and hazardous materials,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These grants will train firefighters and other first responders and help ensure that communities have the resources they need to keep their residents safe.”

This funding announcement comes after the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine upended the lives of the community. Responders nationwide previously received training because of the Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grant program, including 2,500+ responders in 137 different locations in Ohio. Several of those trained emergency responders were on the ground during the recent derailment. In addition to this existing funding, Secretary Buttigieg called on Congress to increase funding to expand hazardous materials training for first responders. Additional funding for first responders is part of the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023.

The funding will go towards the following grants:

Pipeline Safety

•    Pipeline Emergency Response Grants
•    Competitive Academic Agreement Program Grants
•    Technical Assistance Grants
•    State Damage Prevention Grants
•    One-Call Grants

Hazardous Materials Safety

•    Hazardous Materials Instructor Training Grants
•    Hazardous Materials State Inspection Grants
•    Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training Grants
•    Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Tribal Grants
•    Supplemental Public Sector Training Grants
•    Community Safety Grants

“Whether it’s dealing with a pipeline rupture or a train derailment—training is essential to the safety of our first responders and the communities they serve,” said PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown. “These grant opportunities will help ensure first responders have what they need to address the unique challenges that exist in communities across the country.”

The Notices of Funding Opportunities provide more details on eligibility and how each grant improves and strengthens pipeline and hazardous materials safety. PHMSA will work to maximize grant awards based on the applications received. Each official notice of funding opportunity is available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html under Department of Transportation-PHMSA on the agency drop-down menu. Applicants can also contact the appropriate agency representative identified in the respective notice of funding opportunity with further questions.

Since 2021, PHMSA has awarded more than $206 million in grants to eligible recipients for projects, research, and development activities that work to enhance the safety of America’s energy pipeline network and hazardous materials transportation. For Fiscal Year 2024, PHMSA requested a $21.5 million increase for its State Pipeline Safety Grants to reimburse states for up to 80% of their inspection costs, an $18.5 million increase in funding for its emergency preparedness grants that train emergency responders and volunteers, and a $3 million increase in Community Safety Grant funding to better prepare underserved communities for the transportation of hazmat and crude oil through communities. Details about prior grant awards and related projects can be found on PHMSA’s grant webpage.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s mission is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives.  Please visit https://www.phmsa.dot.gov for more information.

McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, USDOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.

NIOSH releases software for coal mine rescue assessment

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by Safety+Health
escape-scenarios.jpg
Photo: NIOSH

Washington — A new software training module from NIOSH is intended to assist mine operators, miners and industry stakeholders with emergency decision-making during coal mine rescues.

The module presents seven scenarios based on previous events at underground coal mines. Each includes general information about the mine, as well as maps and background information.

Instructors who guide participants through scenarios can stop during key points to present four potential actions that escaping miners might choose. Participants are asked to assess and rate each option and then compare their responses with feedback from emergency response experts and the factual details of each event.

“Sometimes it is clear what miners should or should not do for safe and effective self-escape,” NIOSH says. “However, there are times when even subject matter experts disagree about specific actions. The emergency decision-making training provides participants a place to practice making decisions when dealing with difficult circumstances.”

Under Title 30 CFR Part 49.50, mine rescue teams must meet these criteria:

  • Be available at all times when miners are underground, staying within one-hour ground travel time from the mine rescue station to the mine
  • Consist of five members and one alternate, except when alternative compliance is permitted
  • Have experience working in underground coal mines
  • Inspect, test and maintain appropriate rescue equipment after receiving it
  • Maintain physical fitness
  • Complete initial training

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.