NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award
October 7, 2024
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) annually recognizes mines and companies demonstrating exceptional commitment to improving worker safety and health through technological innovation. The Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award highlights applications of technology or process improvements that go beyond mandatory requirements.
Award Categories
The award covers four categories:
- Coal
- Metal
- Industrial Minerals
- Stone, Sand & Gravel
Submission Guidelines
Mines and companies are invited to self-apply for the award. The application process is straightforward, requiring responses to a set of questions and submitted via email. NIOSH emphasizes that technology in mining is not a singular solution but an evolving process that continually adapts new technologies and systems to address safety challenges.
To nominate a mine or company:
- Send an email to NIOSH Mining at mining@cdc.gov.
- Answer the following questions:
- Which mining sector best describes your submission (metal, coal, industrial minerals, or stone, sand & gravel)?
- What problem were you addressing?
- Describe the technology or process and how it functions.
- How did you modify and assess the technology or process to solve this specific issue?
- How did you implement the technology or process at your mine?
- What realized or expected health and safety benefits have resulted?
- Which mining operation or company is implementing the technology?
- Who is the primary contact for this submission (name, email address, and phone number)?
Pictures and diagrams are optional but are welcome to illustrate the technology. The submission does not need to be elaborate, and the text can be in plain language.
Next Steps
Upon receiving a nomination, NIOSH will send an acknowledgement and provide details on the evaluation process. They may also contact the submitter for clarification during the review. While nominations are accepted year-round, awards are presented annually during ceremonies held by organizations associated with each of the four sectors. Nominations must be received by the deadline to be considered for that year’s award; late submissions will be considered for the subsequent year.
Annual Award Presentations
Awards are presented each year at ceremonies:
- Industrial Minerals: Essential Minerals Association conference in Washington DC
- Stone, Sand & Gravel: NSSGA Legislative & Policy Forum
- Metal & Coal: NMA safety award ceremony
Award winners will receive specific details about the time and location of their award presentation.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Mining Program
