The Cove, 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive, Normandy Park, WA 98166
Sign-in begins at 9:30 AM 

The 2024 Spring Thaw is a great opportunity to be visible and present during an MSHA event and have your company represented. Register now for this essential annual Industry/Agency event. 

Hear from MSHA to learn about areas of agency emphasis, how our industry is doing, and to share our commitment to make Safety our highest priority. Two areas of emphasis: Power Haulage/Mobile Equipment and new Silica standards. Power haulage is underway now; effective July 17, contractors must be included in your safety policy or have their own safety policy. It is expected that contractors will follow Part 45 Contractors policy standards. 10 Power Haulage and 9 Contractor Fatalities reported in 2023 included ten power haulage and nine contractor deaths.  

Special Guests: 

• Mathew Johnson, acting Vacaville Assistant District Manager
• Leroy Hopkins - New EFSMS Specialist, Kent Field Office

Presentations:  

• Introductions and Industry / Agency Discussion
• Mathew Johnson, acting Vacaville Assistant District Manager  
• Leroy Hopkins - New EFSMS Specialist, Kent Field Office

Managing the Why of human factors and mental health awareness in the workforce.  Presented by Jeffrey Sease,  COO, Predictive Safety SRP, Inc. Incidents and fatalities in our industry are largely behavior-based, leading to serious injuries caused by human factors. But how do we understand the “why” behind these human factors? Why did someone fail to fasten their seatbelt? Why did someone wander into a restricted area? Training and safety regulations are to protect each worker..... Why did someone fail to follow their safety training? What could be leading to these lapses in judgment? How can we help identify who is struggling and needs support to ensure their personal and coworker safety? Increasing awareness increases safety outcomes.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness in the Mining and Construction Industry. Presented by Max Margolis, Program Director for the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership Project. The mining and construction industry loses more workers to suicide than workplace accidents. Becoming aware of changes in co-workers' attitudes and personalities can be one step in reaching out. Often, no one notices even subtle changes, and a life can be taken. Max will share his story to help increase understanding of the personal challenge and become aware of mental health stress to avoid possible outcomes.

2024 MSHA Area of Emphasis Powered Haulage and Mobile Equipment. Presented by DJ Schmutz, MS, CSP, Director of Operations, MSHA Safety Services Inc. Problem—Over the past 10 years, powered mobile equipment has accounted for 40% of all fatalities. In 2023, 25% (10) were Power Haulage fatalities. These fatalities involve miners and contractor employees. MSHA has emphasized Power Haulage safety for over 5 years, and fatalities continue. The new 2024 standard is already in effect, with a full compliance date of July 17, 2024. It applies to all operations regardless of the number of miners employed. Join us on Wednesday, April 3, to learn the new requirements.  

What is your role to ensure the new safety plans are used?  Are you ready?

Registration:

• Member Rate: $80
• Non-member Rate: $120                              
  

Learn more.

Registration includes in-person attendance, morning coffee & tea service, and buffet lunch. WACA members and guests, please join us on April 3, 2024, to welcome MSHA agency officials, represent our industry, and support common safety practices.