Microcomputer-based instruction for miner safety-training programs

The passage of The Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-164) is significant because it represents the first instance where the Federal Government, in addition to regulating and enforcing health and safety standards, mandated health and safety training for workers throughout an entire industry. Not only does 30 CFR 48 specify the various classifications of workers that must be trained, it also dictates the topics to be covered and the minimum number of hours that must be devoted to the prescribed training programs. The focus of this paper is on efforts being taken to develop cost-effective, microcomputer-based training aids for the mining industry. Four instructional programs have been developed at Penn State as part of a large research effort in miner training. Examples of the programs will be presented and implementation experience at several underground coal mines will be discussed.