Mine & Quarry Bureau Strategic Plan

Transcription

1 Mine & Quarry Bureau Strategic Plan Mine and Quarry Bureau 1101 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC C Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27603

2 Table of Contents Letter from the Bureau Chief.Page 3 Organizational Overview. Page 4 Opportunities and Challenges....Page 5 Mission, Vision and Goals..Page 6 Measures and Objectives Page 7 Operational Definitions of Key Measures Page 10 2

3 Introduction Since 1887, the Mine and Quarry Bureau, an agency of the North Carolina Department of Labor, was enacted by the General Assembly of North Carolina. Historically, mining has been a vital part of the economy beginning with the first settlers and continues today. The importance of mine safety became apparent many years ago. The Bureau s primary function is to protect the health and safety of the miners, which is accomplished through education and training, consultative services, and when necessary, enforcement. This presentation of the Mine and Quarry Bureau s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years reveals our efforts to increase our effectiveness and during this time of economic uncertainty, make clear the priorities and direction we will take. The objectives were decided upon based on an analysis of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We received input from our field staff and office staff. This SWOT analysis lets us take a hard look at where we are strong and need to stay that way and where we need to improve. Our goals and objectives will help us meet new and old challenges we face as we all know there is always room for improvement. The objectives identified will allow us to move forward and conduct business with efficiency and meet our day-to-day schedules with safety in mind. Our objectives are based to be keys to success in the future of mine safety and health. In this plan, we have included the objectives as well as success measures by which they will be accomplished. 3

4 Organizational Overview The Mine and Quarry Bureau enforces the 1975 Mine Safety and Health Act of North Carolina (Chapter 74, Article 2A of the N.C. General Statutes) and the Administrative Rules promulgated thereunder (Title 13, Chapter 6 of the N.C. Administrative Code), and conducts a program of education and training, complete evaluations, technical assistance, and consultations to implement provisions of the Act. The Bureau also assists mine and quarry operators to comply with the provisions of the 1977 Federal Mine Safety and Health Act that requires operators to train their employees in safe working procedures. Previous North Carolina laws on the operations and inspection of mines and quarries in the State date back to The Bureau inspects abandoned surface mines and surface areas of abandoned underground mines for the protection of the general public, promotes rockhound safety, and conducts an explosives safety course for anyone handling or using explosives. Instructor fundamentals, health and safety laws, and supervisory training are offered through MAQB seminars and institutes. Currently, there are 382 active mines sites under jurisdiction of the Mine and Quarry Bureau. There are currently 9 abandoned mines that are to be checked annually. Abandoned mine checks and mandated comprehensive training is conducted by four (4) Mine Safety and Health Field Representatives. Abandoned mine checks are entered electronically in the MQASST program. Training classes are entered electronically to the data system and are checked by the Bureau Chief. The Mine and Quarry Bureau is comprised of 4 mine safety and health field representatives, and administrative assistant, and a bureau chief. 4

5 Opportunities and Challenges A recent SWOT analysis of the Mine and Quarry Bureau was conducted and some upcoming opportunities of the following may occur: 1) Enhance supervisory training due to enhanced MSHA enforcement. 2) MAQB staff communicating through Outlook Calendar 3) Professional development including enhanced electrical, tire safety, and explosives safety training 4) Advances in technology used in mining 5) Reduction in required paperwork through use of the MQASST electronic reporting 6) Development of on-line registrations for future training classes The Mine and Quarry Bureau will also have to address some upcoming challenges including the following: 1) MSHA State Grants funding cuts 64% cut proposed for FY-2013, Abolishment of MSHA State Grants program proposed for FY ) Enforcement action, penalties, and credibility implemented by USDOL MSHA. 3) Concerns with state budget funding 4) The amount of training requests by the minerals industry 5

6 Mission, Vision and Goals Mission Provide quality safety and health education, training, and consultation services to the North Carolina minerals industry. Vision A zero rate of accidents and injuries. Mine and Quarry Bureau Goals GOAL 1: GOAL 2: GOAL 3: Reduce the number and severity of injuries and illnesses in North Carolina s minerals industry. Enhance miner education and training efforts. Conduct business in a safe and healthy environment. 6

7 Goal 1 Reduce the number and severity of injuries and illnesses in North Carolina s minerals industry. Objectives # Measure Objective Target Date(s) 1.1 % evaluated abandoned mine sites. 100% March % Investigate fatal and serious accidents that are life threatening to ensure corrective measures are taken to prevent recurrence within 24 hours. 1.3 Investigate written safety and health complaints if unsafe or unhealthy conditions are present at the mine. 100% Upon notification Preliminary within 5 days of notification Final within 14 days of notification Notes: 1.1 Each abandoned mine in North Carolina is evaluated for safe guards to protect the public by a Mine and Quarry Representative at least annually. This can only be accomplished through an onsite visit. An abandoned mine is a mine that no longer produces a mineral that enters commerce and the property rights are still owned by a company or individual that mined the mineral(s). Dangers to the public are defined as: open pits, shafts or slopes where a fall hazard exist, water hazards where there is a danger of drowning or quick sands, chemical hazard from a leaching process, or any public nuisance. 1.2 North Carolina Labor Laws define any accident that has or could have resulted in serious physical harm, property damage, equipment damage, or death to be reported to the Mine and Quarry Bureau. Once known it is the responsibility of the Mine and Quarry Representative in the area to go and gather information on the accident cause and seriousness and to report to the Mine and Quarry Bureau Chief the findings of the observations. The findings are reported formal written reports. These reports contain pictures, measurements, witness statements, current training, equipment, and any machinery that was involved. This information is used to formulate training materials and programs to prevent such recurrence at the mine or any other mine site. 1.3 Complaints that arrive via the NCDOL Help Desk relative to the mining industry are forwarded to the Mine and Quarry Bureau. Upon receipt, the Mine and Quarry Representative makes contact with the individual as determined by the complainant. Once it is determined that a legitimate complaint exists, a visit to the site will be made to evaluate whether unsafe or unhealthy conditions exist. The Mine and Quarry Representative will investigate the complaint which is comprised of statements, pictures, measurements, work environment, etc. A 7

8 Goal 2 formal report is written and forwarded to the Mine and Quarry Bureau Chief. If need be a notice of violation will be written to the company to abate the condition. Enhance miner education and training efforts. Objectives # Measure Objective Target Date(s) 2.1 Provide MSHA required training annually to miner 100% March 31 operators and contractors who request it. 2.2 Develop special emphasis training projects focused At least 8 March 31 on eliminating high-risk activities of hazardous working conditions annually. projects- 2 per field rep 2.3 Provide training opportunities to staff. 8 hour minimum per Mining Representative March 31 Notes: CFR Parts 46 and 48 mandates comprehensive training for all person exposed to mine hazards. Comprehensive training consists of: 24 hours of new miner training; experienced miner training; new task training; eight hours annual refresher training. At the request of the mine operator, the Mine and Quarry representative in the assigned area will schedule the requested training and will consult to ascertain the required training will be provided. At the beginning of each comprehensive training class, the attending students are required to sign the training registration form. At the completion of the training class, the Mine and Quarry representative will enter through an electronic data base, MQASST, the type of training class, the duration of the training, and the attending student s names. Once the data has been entered, the Bureau Chief will audit the report for any errors. 2.2 Mine and Quarry Representatives will consult with mining operations periodically relative to risk management. Training projects are developed out of said results. The projects may be, but are not limited to, First Aid/CPR/AED training, mock emergency drills, supervisor/leadperson training, instructor training, mine law training, and explosives safety training. The Mine and Quarry representative must use his professional training to develop such projects to make it specific to each mining operation s need. The project may be determined by recent accidents, fatalities, and MSHA citations. 8

9 2.3 Skill enhancement training will provide the Mine and Quarry staff knowledge of the most up-to-date trends and developments in the mining industry which representatives can share with mining operations located in their assigned counties. Staying current with trends and new initiatives gives the Bureau opportunities to incorporate new information into Mine and Quarry training programs. This training can be obtained by attending the Joint NC Aggregates Association/ NCDOL Mine and Quarry Annual Mine Safety and Health Conference and the National Mine Instructors/TRAM (Training Resources Applicable to Mining) Conference held annually at the USDOL Mine Safety and Health Academy in Beaver, West Virginia. Goal 3 Conduct business in a safe and healthy environment. Objectives # Measure Objective 3.1 Conduct bureau S&H committee meetings. At least quarterly Target Date(s) July, October, January, April 3.2 Site inspections are conducted of Bureau controlled spaces in accordance with the S&H Policies using appropriate reporting forms. At least quarterly July, October, January, April 3.3 S & H Policy 9 is reviewed with staff. Annually October 3.4 Follow prescribed procedures for investigating and reporting injuries, occupational illnesses, violence or criminal activity. NOTES: Investigate and reports as required by policy Per occurrence 3.1 The Boiler Safety Bureau and the Mine and Quarry Bureau have a joint unit safety committee. The committee is responsible to work in accordance with Policy 2, Designation and Responsibilities of the Safety and Health Committees. The committee will discuss any safety problems that have been identified and will review safety and health procedures for accuracy and required updates. 3.2 The unit committee is responsible to conduct safety inspections of the Mine and Quarry Bureau work space to verify that the Bureau is in compliance with the safety requirements. These inspections include emergency lighting, exit signs, improper extension cords, improper storage, etc. A report of the inspection is filed 9

10 with the steering committee on the day of the inspection and placed on the intranet site. 3.3 Policy 9, Investigation and Reporting of Events, involves office and field staff alike. It is important that staff is fully aware of their responsibilities under the policy. 3.4 Policy 9 gives the guidelines for the investigation of events which result in: (1) injuries, (2) occupational illnesses, and or (3) violence or criminal activity to Department of Labor employees in the course of the performance of their job duties. Upon notification of an incident, the bureau chief must begin an investigation within 24 hours and report that investigation in accordance with the policy. 10

11 Operational Definitions of Key Measures Incident Rates: Accident and Injury incident rate (IR data) is used to help gauge a mine s accident prevention program. The data are composed of the number of reportable cases within a 12 month period of time multiplied by 200,000 (which is a constant that equals to 100 miners working a normal 40 hour shift for a period 50 weeks annually) and divided by the actual hours worked during the specific period of time. The data, when composed, can be crossed referenced to the data published in the US DOL IR publication for a particular year. This data is used to compare like mines across the nation. This data alone cannot accurately define the mine accident and prevention program. The Mine and Quarry Representatives assist with the mine s risk management program by consulting with mine management and miners to discuss ways to alleviate or reduce hazardous conditions. The Mine and Quarry Representative will provide consultations and technical assistance on matters to promote ways to reduce risks. The Mine and Quarry Representative uses his professional training to accomplish this goal. Bureau Chief Signature: / May 1, 2014 Date Deputy Commissioner: / May 1, 2014 Date 11