NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research

Spokane site

Click photo for larger image.

The Office of Mine Safety and Health Research Spokane site serves as the second focal point for mine health and safety research. While research programs touch most mining sectors, the major program focus in Spokane is on metal and nonmetal mining. Major programmatic areas of study include:

• Catastrophic Failure Detection and Prevention - This program is organized to detect and prevent catastrophic failure (collapse of mine roofs, rock bursts, slope failures, etc.) in mines through laboratory and field investigations. The latest in computer modeling techniques and models are being used to visualize and simulate mine conditions so that the risks of using alternative mining methods and support technologies can be tested.
• Mining Injury and Disease Prevention - To prevent injuries and fatalities in both underground and surface mines, the Spokane research team: (1) identifies and classifies risk factors in mining; (2) evaluates recommendations for strategies to prevent injuries and disease through the use of effective control technologies; (3) studies the design of mining equipment to assess the potential risks involved in using it; and, (4) designs, builds, and tests equipment that incorporates innovative control technologies.
• Mining Surveillance and Statistical Support - To assist in planning and prioritizing future studies, the Spokane site tracks trends in mining injuries, fatalities, and disease and conducts hazard surveillance concerning the use of new technologies in the mining industry.

SPO Laboratories:  Seismic Laboratory , Soil/Rock Properties Laboratory , Instrumentation Laboratory