Health & Safety

Mission

The UMWA Health and Safety Department works to prevent injury, death, and occupational illnesses from harming our members at work.

From its inception in 1890, the United Mine Workers of America has consistently demanded that Congress enact and improve health and safety legislation in order to constantly improve safety at the workplace.

Over the last 126 years, the union expanded its mission to improve health and safety standards for members in various workplaces including those working in manufacturing, health care facilities, corrections facilities, as well as public employees.

Today, worksites represented by the UMWA are among the safest in the United States and Canada. If you need to contact the Health and Safety Department, call 703-291-2433 or send an email.

Latest News & Media View All ›

May 15, 2023

2023 Stand Down to Save Lives

Mining fatalities, serious incidents and injuries are occurring across commodities and across the country. Stand Down to Save Lives is…

May 15, 2023

UMWA has “significant concerns” with proposed EPA power plant rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 15, 2023 [TRIANGLE, VA.] The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) said today that the proposed…

Apr. 14, 2023

UMWA Letter of Support for Acting Secretary Su as Secretary of Labor

UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts wrote a letter of support for Acting Secretary Su in favor of her nomination…

Mar. 2, 2023

UMWA Statement on NIOSH Study Finding, Coal Miners Increased Risk of Dying from Lung Diseases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2023   UMWA Statement on NIOSH Study Finding, Coal Miners Increased Risk of Dying from…

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Roberts C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act

The Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act would improve mine safety and close glaring loopholes in our nation’s mine safety laws that could help save miners’ lives. Moreover, it would make it more difficult for corporate management to put profits and production ahead of the safety of miners. Click here to read about the details behind this bill. 

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Roberts C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act

The Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act would improve mine safety and close glaring loopholes in our nation’s mine safety laws that could help save miners’ lives. Moreover, it would make it more difficult for corporate management to put profits and production ahead of the safety of miners. Click here to read about the details behind this bill. 

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Training Opportunities

The UMWA offers a variety of specialized training to our members. They range from miners’ surface and underground safety committee training, electrical re-certification, OSHA 10 and 30 hour training, and correctional officer training. Click here for more information about upcoming training courses.

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Training Opportunities

The UMWA offers a variety of specialized training to our members. They range from miners’ surface and underground safety committee training, electrical re-certification, OSHA 10 and 30 hour training, and correctional officer training. Click here for more information about upcoming training courses.

More ›

The Union Difference

An independent study concluded that U.S. coal mines represented by the UMWA are safer and more productive than non-union mines. The study, authored by Stanford University’s labor regulation expert Alison Morantz, is supported by accident and fatality data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Read more below.

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The Union Difference

An independent study concluded that U.S. coal mines represented by the UMWA are safer and more productive than non-union mines. The study, authored by Stanford University’s labor regulation expert Alison Morantz, is supported by accident and fatality data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Read more below.

More ›