Industry experts and guests will converge at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa in Arizona for the four-day event. Organisers said its purpose is threefold: to develop relationships and open lines of communication; to help create an understanding of miner safety; and to “build partnerships focusing on zero fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses in the mining industry”

Keynote addresses will be offered at the conference by officials from the Mine Safety and Health Administration as well as Stillwater Mining chief Frank McAllister. Some of the “breakout” presentation topics scheduled for this event include:

Mine emergency and preparedness, explosives, homeland security and behaviour-based safety;

Acceptable safety hazards, tyre care/safe maintenance, drugs and alcohol;

Rigging, hazard communications and legal issues; and

Fall protection, acceptable safety hazards and practical ergonomics.

A demonstration of a mobile electrical training unit will also be provided throughout the conference, as will opportunities for those in attendance to network and share ideas. Some meals, as well as conference materials, presentations, discussion groups and an exhibitor reception, are included in the registration fee, which is being offered at a reduced rate until September 30.

For more information, contact Ramona Broadnax at (707) 447-9844 or broadnax.ramona@dol.gov.

Online registration and a full itinerary are available at http://www.fireacademy.unr.edu/msha/