Safety

Wyoming mines take safety very seriously, and mine companies around the state have made safety a top priority for Wyoming’s mining industry. As a result, Wyoming mines are repeatedly recognized as some of the safest mining operations in the nation.

WMA Safety Seminar – “Building the Culture of Safety – 2014”

NMA CORESafety – Committed to Excellence in Mining Safety

2011 Wyoming Incidence Rate

All mines employ dedicated safety professionals, and employees are trained in proper safety and practices for a safe work environment.

  • New employees are required to take a three-day Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) course before their first day on the job.
  • Most mines require further safety training before an employee can start working.
  • Existing employees are required to take an annual one-day safety training course.
  • Every shift starts with walk-around safety inspections.

Wyodak Mine Safety Video

Working in minesis safer than many common occupations. On average, a coal miner can expect to work his or her entire career without a lost-time incident, which is defined as a non-fatal workplace illness or injury resulting in at least one day away from work to recuperate. The U.S. mining industry has made significant strides in improving the health and safety of its workers. It is the result of seven key trends according to the National Mining Association.

  • A commitment by management, workers, and regulators to a goal of zero fatalities and injuries;
  • Better equipment design;
  • Technological advances;
  • Conscientious safety awareness;
  • Improved engineering methods;
  • Advanced and continuous training;
  • Strong oversight and assistance from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Nationally injuries at coal mines have fallen by 2/3 in the last 16 years and more than half of the U.S. coal mines operate each year without a single loss of work time injury. Wyoming Mining Association members take their safety obligations very seriously and work continuously the provide a safe workplace for miners. The following mines received awards from the Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in partnership with Governor Matt Mead’s office during the 7th annual Wyoming Safety Conference in 2012. The awards are granted to those companies who demonstrated leadership in their culture of safety and health in the workplace. Large mine: Buckskin Mine Small mine: Degerstrom Converters Large mine-site contractor: Rail Link Small mine-site contractor: L&H Industrial Large oil and gas: Chevron USA – Wyoming Area Small oil and gas: Suncor Energy USA Pipeline Company Large general industry: Cheyenne Healthcare Center Small general industry: American Equipment, Inc. Small construction: G.M. Stewart Corporation