Mine Safety & Health Administration and National Safety Council have signed an agreement to work together to enhance safety programs for the mining industry. The MSHA Health and Safety partnership is part of Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing strategy to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative partnerships.

As part of the agreement, MSHA and NSC will:

• Identify ways to enhance participation of the NSC's Mining and Minerals Resources Section in safety and health outreach to the industry;
• Collaborate on developing and conducting technical sessions at various events and conferences; and
• Work collaboratively to present clear and accurate statistical information on mining and minerals operations in the United States.

In addition, the alliance will enhance the existing relationship between MSHA and NSC in the "Stay Out-Stay Alive" (SOSA) partnership, which educates young people and their parents about the hazards of playing in and around active or inactive mines.

"The mining industry has just achieved its safest two years on record. Under this agreement, MSHA and the NSC will work together to make safety a top priority throughout the mining industry and send more miners home safe at the end of every working day," said Dave D. Lauriski, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health.