Mining Publication: Technology News 502 - A New Training Video for Aggregate Operators: Aggregate Training for the Safety Impaired

The objective was to develop safety training tools for mine safety and health experienced trainers that can be used for both new-miner training and annual refresher training. For the past 3 years, NIOSH has been developing training materials for mine safety trainers in response to gaps identified during stakeholder meetings. Most materials have been directed to the hazards of underground mines, but the recent passage of Part 46 of CFR 30 required new-miner and annual refresher training in aggregate operations. One result was the identification of another audience needing basic information about safety in mining. Trainers characterized trainees in this segment of the industry primarily as young males, many of whom had little work experience. Training specialists from the Arizona State Mine Inspector's Office approached NIOSH researchers early in 2002 about the possibility of a collaborative project to develop safety training materials for new trainees in aggregate operations. A preliminary search of MSHA accident statistics identified over a dozen common hazards that could be targeted in a training video. A story line was developed for review by safety specialists in the aggregate industry, and a script was written to cover the selected hazards. Although the target audience was primarily new hires, the finished video was also to be relevant to more experienced workers. The video follows two new hires through their first week on the job. Ted and Slick have not paid attention in training class and prove to be hazards to themselves as well as everyone around them. In the course of the week, they are fired from four different mines and learn the hard way what can happen if the dangers of surface mining are ignored. Slick (a crash test dummy in real life) has several very close calls before the boys realize that safety is no laughing matter. The video is 34 minutes long and uses humor to present 15 different hazards, as well as safety tips on how to avoid these hazards.