$1M in mining safety grants available from MSHA

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration is accepting applications until July 21 for its Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.

The agency will provide up to $1 million in grant funding for states, territories, and private and public organizations to develop educational and training programs aimed at helping the mining community “identify, avoid and prevent unsafe and unhealthy working conditions,” as well as occupational hazards. These include:

• Exposure to respirable crystalline dust and crystalline silica
• 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 height and other unsafe conditions

MSHA said it will place special emphasis on programs and materials that target smaller mines and underserved populations in the industry, as well as mines that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Named after fatal mine disasters in Brookwood, AL, and Sago, WV, the grants are scheduled to be awarded no later than Sept. 30.