The Mine Safety and Health Association hosted the 9th Annual Mine Safety and Health Conference Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the New Tropicana Las Vegas. During the conference, members and non-members of the association gained an in-depth understanding of the importance of safety procedures. Safety and health professionals, mining equipment manufacturers, miners and students were provided the opportunity to network with one another and establish new methods to help send miners home healthy and safe.

During the first day of the conference, Jacy Good, cell-free road advocate, joined the conference as one of the many influential keynote speakers. Good’s presentation focused on the importance of safe driving habits, and the “Hang Up and Drive” campaign. At 21 years old, Good was in a traumatic car accident resulting in the loss of both her parents. While driving home, another driver was using his phone and ran through a red light causing a semi-truck to roll over her vehicle, putting her in critical condition. Good’s story emphasizes the importance of companies and individuals implementing safe driving  policies.

On the second day of the conference, Dave Sheffield from Newmont Mining Corporation spoke on “Caring in Action.” Sheffield currently leads Newmont’s global health and safety efforts which focus on the development of safety methods through “faith, fire and focus.” In an effort to increase safety procedures, Sheffield’s presentation demonstrated the importance of companies actively looking for “bad news.” The knowledge of “bad news” allows companies to help improve business and safety policies. In developing Newmont’s safety goals, mine sites hold leadership workshops for employees and contractors to interact with leadership figures. The workshops are used for leaders to interact on a more personal level with members of the company and establish tailored safety plans. The corporation has established that personalized safety plans enable each site to achieve targeted safety goals while building a safe environment for the employees and contractors develop the best safety practices for the mining industry.

Safety has always been a focal point in the mining industry. The 9th Annual Mine Safety and Health conference offered an opportunity for the industry to network and build relationships with federal agencies to help develop the best safety practices for the mining industry.