Washington, D.C. – Twenty of the nation’s best mine rescue teams won awards in a nationwide competition last week hosted by the National Mining Association (NMA), the nation’s mining trade association. The 2013 National Coal Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench and Pre-Shift Competition, held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, is the premier event that pits mine rescue teams and rescue professionals from scores of companies against one another to test varied skills for rescuing miners from accidents and hazardous conditions. NMA noted that of the 85 rescue teams and individuals in the competition, 18 of the 20 winners were from NMA member companies.
Along with the competition itself, 40 exhibits of rescue and safety equipment and services were on display at the convention center, including state-of-the-art devices that simulate mine rescue conditions and build situational awareness for rescue training. In a Sept. 12 awards ceremony, NMA President and CEO Hal Quinn said the rescue teams and new mine safety technology on exhibit reflect “a new spirit in mine safety, a new dedication to bringing all of our people home safely.”
Quinn lauded the dedication and professionalism of the mine rescue competitors that was in evidence throughout the competition. “Until the day comes when serious mining accidents are problems of the past, we will be honoring your selfless dedication and expressing our gratitude and admiration for what you do year round,” he said at the ceremony attended by rescue team members and their families, and government and company officials.
For a list of the 2013 coal mine rescue winners, click here.
For more information on mine rescue and safety issues, as well as NMA’s innovative CORESafety® initiative, visit NMA’s website here .