Published: May 11, 2008 10:18 pm      

Program gives miners formal, informal training

For those willing to travel to Charleston, yet another training option exists.

As part of more than $8.2 million doled out in March to 49 states nationwide by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, the state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training received $543,898 for health and safety training.

“The money matched by the state will cover the cost of supplies and operating expenses, as well as provide study guides for various tests and certifications,” said Jama Jarrett, communications specialist for the state Department of Commerce.

“Trainings include programs such as electrical training, an annual refresher course, new miner, mine-rescue training and diesel equipment training. The purpose is to train coal miners — metal and nonmetal miners — contractors and other personnel in both formal and informal training.”

Formal training, Jarrett clarified, takes place in a classroom setting, while informal training could include safety talks with a small group of individuals at a mine site by a safety instructor.

For more information on certifications, exam schedules and publications, call 304-558-1425 or visit the agency online at www.wvminesafety.org.