Dr. George Luxbacher, Deputy Associate Director for Mining, NIOSH
2022 G. Albert Shoemaker Shoemaker Lecture
“Mining Safety and Health Research for a Rapidly Changing Industry”
George Luxbacher, Deputy Associate Director for Mining,
NIOSH Office for Mining Safety and Health Research (OMSHR)
Abstract: Federal mining health and safety research in the United States began with the establishment of the U. S. Bureau of Mines in 1910 under the direction of Joseph Holmes. Acknowledging the success of that research in protecting miners and recognizing that many mine safety and health needs are either unique to mining or require mining-specific emphasis, when the USBM was closed Congress transferred this responsibility to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), directing NIOSH “to preserve the integrity of mine safety and health research ….”. The NIOSH Mining Program, now in its 26th year, has had significant impact on health and safety across all the industry sectors. In addition to intramural research conducted at the Pittsburgh and Spokane Mining Research Divisions, utilizing unique world-class facilities, the Mining Program has a robust extramural program, including substantial funding for university research activities. The mining industry has changed significantly during this time in terms of the workforce, technology, and critical issues and challenges; the NIOSH Mining Program has adapted accordingly. This presentation will give an overview of NIOSH mining research, as well as the current and future research needs of mining industry.
Zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2IUovdpXRu6c-vXHahaQXg
Reception to follow the lecture.