NIOSH-MSHA to host dust partnership meeting

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) invite mining, public health and medical stakeholders to an inaugural meeting of the Respirable Mine Dust Partnership on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 2-3 p.m. EST.

According to MSHA, the partnership will address exposures to a broad range of respirable hazards, including respirable crystalline silica (quartz). Some of the goals for this partnership include:

• Reviewing existing literature and scientific studies regarding quartz exposure among miners;
• Providing recommendations addressing shortcomings in the data; and
• Identifying easily achievable recommendations that will have near-term benefits to reduce miners’ exposure to quartz and other respirable hazards.

The meeting will take place in the 7th floor West Conference Rooms at MSHA Headquarters, but participants may also join by phone. See details here. The agenda can be found here.

For more information, contact Sheila McConnell at mcconnell.sheila.a@dol.gov.