JULIAN, W.Va. — The Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association’s West Virginia, Central Appalachian Council (JAHSA), and the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training (MHS&T) proudly announce the upcoming Third Annual Fallen Heroes Mine Emergency Response Drill, on September 11-12, 2023 at the West Virginia Training and Conference Center.
The Fallen Heroes Mine Emergency Response Drill brings together mining experts, safety professionals, and mine rescue teams from across the region. The event aims to enhance safety preparedness and response strategies in the mining industry while commemorating the individuals who have dedicated their lives to mining safety.
The 2023 Drill places a special emphasis on the latest advancements in mine rescue equipment technologies. United Central and Industrial Scientific, industry leaders in cutting-edge equipment solutions, will showcase their contributions to enhancing mine safety and response capabilities.
This year’s mine rescue competition, which follows the Drill, will occur at Chief Logan State Park in Logan.
“We are excited to announce that the location of the contest has moved from the City of Sylvester Park to Chief Logan State Park due to the overwhelming interest and growth we have witnessed in the contest,” said James Meadows, President of the West Virginia, Central Appalachian Council Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association. “In 2023, the contest was expanded to accommodate 27 teams, which is a testament to the industry’s unwavering commitment to both the competition and, more importantly, to the cause of mine rescue. This growth reflects the dedication and determination of the mining industry to enhance mine safety and emergency response capabilities. We are proud to see the industry come together to showcase their skills and underscore their commitment to ensuring the safety of our miners.”
The Fallen Heroes Mine Emergency Response Drill fosters camaraderie and healthy competition among mine rescue teams but also underscores MHS&T’s commitment to promoting mine safety. The agency’s involvement in training and certification ensures miners of all skill levels are prepared to respond to emergencies effectively.
“The event offers an opportunity for mine companies in the area to come together, learn from each other, and collectively strive for safety excellence. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of mine rescue teams, the Drill contributes to the overall goal of ensuring safer mining operations, said MHS&T Director Frank Foster.
MHS&T will actively participate in the judging process for the competition at Chief Logan State Park.
Representatives from Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia will also join the judging panel in addition to federal agencies: the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The panel will lend their extensive knowledge and experience to evaluate the participants’ performances, ensuring that the competition maintains the highest standards of accuracy and fairness. Their involvement underscores the importance of fostering inter-state partnerships to collectively advance mine safety practices and emergency response strategies.
For more information about the Central Appalachia Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association and the Fallen Heroes Mine Emergency Response Drill and Competition, contact Brent Bender at bbender@blackhawkmining.com or 304-784-3405.
About Central Appalachia Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association
The Central Appalachia Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association (JAHSA) is a nonprofit organization established in 2019 to promote health and safety in the mining industry in West Virginia. Comprising representatives from Federal and State Governments, Mining Organizations, and Labor, JAHSA’s objectives are to prevent fatalities and injuries and improve health and safety in all phases of mining.
About West Virginia Training and Conference Center
The West Virginia Training and Conference Center (WVTCC) is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for various events and training sessions and is a division of the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training. With banquet rooms, classrooms, and a large underground-simulated scenario mine training lab, WVTCC offers a versatile space for community, corporate, and government events.