Pubdate: Wed, 13 Apr 2005
Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY)
Copyright: 2005 The Courier-Journal
Contact:  http://www.courier-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/97
Note: Only publishes local LTEs
Author:  John R. Correl

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN MINES

The Courier-Journal is to be commended for focusing attention on the 
problem of substance abuse in mines. As you have reported a number of times 
in your newspaper, there appears to be an increasing incidence of substance 
abuse in mining operations, which presents a safety and health concern not 
only for the abuser, but also for other miners.

At the same time, your April 5 editorial seriously misrepresents the 
efforts of the Mine Safety and Health Administration to address this issue. 
In fact, MSHA has taken a leadership role, within the bounds of our 
statutory authority, to stop drug and alcohol abuse in mining operations in 
Kentucky and throughout the country.

We recently joined forces with the Commonwealth of Kentucky in a 
multi-state task force to address drug abuse in the southern Appalachian 
region, including Kentucky. The Courier-Journal reported favorably on our 
announced joint effort in October 2004, and highlighted the results of our 
first anti-drug summit in December 2004. MSHA staff continue to work with 
the Commonwealth of Kentucky in finding ways to stop dangerous drug abuse 
in mines.

MSHA's goal is to ensure that every miner goes home safe and healthy at the 
end of every shift, every day. We applaud Kentucky's efforts to eliminate 
drugs from the mining workplace and are working collaboratively to support 
these important efforts.

JOHN R. CORRELL, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Operations

Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor

Arlington, Va. 22209
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager