Mining Feature: NIOSH Posts Request for Information

Monday, March 18, 2019

NIOSH is requesting information to help inform the research priorities of the NIOSH Mining Program in the areas of automation and associated technologies in mining, including automated mobile equipment, robotics, teleoperation, wireless communications and sensing systems, wearable sensors and computers, virtual and augmented reality, and data analytics.

NIOSH is seeking input on priority gaps in knowledge regarding the safety and health implications of humans working with automated equipment and associated technologies in mining. Emphasis should be on worker safety and health research in which NIOSH has the comparative advantage, and is unlikely to be undertaken by other federal agencies, academia, or the private sector.

To understand the state of automation technologies, their implementation in the United States, and the health and safety concerns associated with the technology, NIOSH is interested in input on the following questions:

1. To what extent will automation and associated technologies be implemented in mining and in what timeframe?
2. What are the related health and safety concerns with automation and associated technologies in mining?
3. What gaps exist in occupational health and safety research related to automation and associated technologies?

NIOSH is seeking feedback on these questions and on any additional knowledge gaps, ideas, innovations, or practice improvements, as well as feedback on how the research areas should be prioritized. NIOSH is especially interested in any creative and new ideas as they relate to protecting the health and safety of miners today and in the future.

To offer your feedback and input, see the Federal Register Notice.

Comments will be accepted until midnight ET on May 17, 2019.