Question

Jim Baugher response

What are the optimal qualities of a current miner when considering them as a candidate for promotion to supervisor?

This is an excellent question to ask the mine representatives (In particular Mr. Nicholson).  You may want to expand the question include other applicants for the job as well.

• My response would include:
• Good overall knowledge and experience of the mining process.
• Relates well with others.
• Has the ability to communicate effectively in normal and stressful situations.  This includes:
• Anticipating the listener’s ability to understand and are they listening appropriately.  Selecting an environment for clear understanding (ambient noise; see facial expression, etc.).
• Keeping the message clear and concise
• Communicating the level of importance.

We reviewed the materials on the aging workforce that you provided. Are there safety statistics that reflect miner’s years of service in relation to number of accidents they are involved in?

Yes, but be careful in interpreting the data.  Younger people are often newer miners who do have more accidents.  Learning curve.  And you will not know their age groups percentage of the workforce.

The home page has most of what you need.  Try it first and let me know and I will look for an alternate delivery system

Are there safety statistics relevant to the different classifications of workers, Miners, Mine Supervisors, Safety Specialists, Mechanics, etc.

Yes.  You can begin looking on our home page.  The site is not the best design so you will need to do some digging.  In the mean time I will see if I have some summaries I can send.

What percentage of mining supervisors are in the 25-34 year old demographic?

I do not know.  Another good question for the mine contacts.

Do you have analysis on mining supervisor training programs that are regarded favorably by the supervisors themselves?

No. There are few programs available except the mine programs and some of the state certification programs.  State programs are limited for the most part to regulatory requirements.

Two of the mine contacts have programs and they are willing to share their experience with you.

This need is the reason you guys are here.

Does language (translations, etc) factor into current mine supervisor training?

I am sure it does; there are no national statistics.  In particular, the growing Hispanic workforce.