News Release from MSHA

 News Brief

U.S. Department of Labor  | October 29, 2024

Acting Secretary Su, Assistant Secretary Williamson to announce tool to prevent, address opioid disorders in mining communities Oct. 30 in Pittsburgh

Will join safety experts, miners, steelworkers for roundtable discussion

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary Julie Su and Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson will head to Pittsburgh on Oct. 30 to announce a new publication to help employers protect workers from the dangers of opioid use disorder and join a discussion on the issue with workplace safety experts, miners and steelworkers. The roundtable will discuss the issue of opioid use disorder in mining communities, current workplace prevention efforts, resources available and the importance of recovery-friendly workplaces.

A joint publication of the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, “Implementing Effective Workplace Solutions to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder: A Resource Guide for the Mining Industry” is intended to raise awareness about opioid miuse among workers, eliminate the stigma associated with the issue, promote open and honest conversations, strengthen prevention efforts and improve access to treatment. 

Acting Secretary Su and Assistant Secretary Williamson will join NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard and representatives from the United Steelworkers, United Mine Workers of America, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, Tilcon Connecticut Inc., Vulcan Materials and Consol Energy for the roundtable. 

Media availability will follow the roundtable.
 
WHO:          Acting Secretary Julie Su  
                      Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson 
                      CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Director Dr. John Howard 
                      United Steelworkers, International Operating Engineers Local 478, United Mine  
                      Workers of America, Tilcon Connecticut Inc., Vulcan Materials and Consol Energy representatives

WHEN:       Oct. 30, 2024 
                      3:45 to 5:30 p.m. EDT 

WHERE:     Bruceton Research Center/MSHA Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center 
                      MSHA Building 151 
                      626 Cochrans Mill Road 
                      Pittsburgh, PA 15236 

RSVP:         Media interested in covering this event should RSVP to barry.allison.m@dol.gov

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Media Contact:

Allison Barry, 202-934-0858, barry.allison.m@dol.gov
Release Number: 24-2247-NAT

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