NIOSH earns high marks, but not highest rating: NAS
The National Academies of Sciences has just released a report on the safety and health research program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NAS rated MSHA 4 on a 5-point scale in that it's research was in a "high-priority subject area" (but not the highest priority) and its research has made a "moderate contribution" (not a major contribution) to improving occupational safety and health.
Specifically, the report notes that 331,000 people work in the US mining sector which suffers "the highest fatality rate of any industry in the country."
Among MSHA's achievements, the report singles out "development of the personal dust monitor" -- but this direct-reading dust sample is still unavailable "in development."
Most of the suggested improvments for MSHA are safe, politically-correction nostrums like becoming more pro-active, setting more innovative goals, improving coordination with other agencies and improving partnerships with the mining industry. Several of more specific interest include: delivering output in a format "preferre3d by mining operators, miners, and other non-technical users," evaluating "remote sensing and diagnaostic methods" that could enhance mine safety and conducting new research into chemical hazards, improved communications, training, noise prevention, surveillance and repetitive injuries prevention." As if to emphasize, NAS cites as an emerging issue "increased remote control and automated equipment and systems" along with health effects of "mixed exposures" (e.g. diesel exhaust and noise), radiation exposure and workforce development.