The Department of Business and Industry’s Division of Industrial Relations is hiring for a Safety Specialist in the Mine Safety and Training Section (MSATS) based in Winnemucca. Safety Specialists promote recognized safety and health practices among businesses subject to state safety regulations. They identify workplace hazards and regulatory violations, recommend reasonable and practical solutions to reduce risk and improve compliance, and respond to, investigate, and document accidents and fatalities. The Mine Safety and Training Section operates under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 512, which is intended to reduce the frequency and severity of mine accidents through safety and health training for miners and mine operators. In this role, the Safety Specialist conducts safety and health inspections at surface and underground mines, mills, quarries, and related facilities; delivers and supports training for mine employees; provides technical assistance and consultation to mine operators; and prepares investigative reports related to accidents and fatalities.
Five years of technical, operational, or management experience in mines, mills, beneficiation plants, or smelters, one year of which must have been spent working underground. Conduct safety and health inspections pursuant to NRS 512.170, including metal and non-metal surface (open pit) and underground mines, mills, quarries and related facilities, and in such areas including, but not limited to, ground control, fire prevention and control, air quality, ventilation, explosives (storage, transportation, use, blasting, and related equipment), electrical safety, equipment guards, personal protection, materials storage and handling, safety programs, and personnel hoisting; conduct industrial hygiene surveys, air quality evaluations, noise dosimetry, ventilation surveys, hazardous materials handling, storage and transportation compliance, and material safety data sheet compliance.
Provide technical assistance and consultation to mine operators in their efforts to comply with State and federal mine safety regulations and to promote and improve mine health and safety conditions in all areas of mine operations to include surface, underground, milling, beneficiation, smelting and refining.
Measure noise, dusts, metal, and toxic materials using routine industrial hygiene sampling procedures; conduct electrical ground resistivity tests to evaluate electrical safety and conduct mine ventilation surveys when internal combustion engines are in use underground; conduct opening and closing conferences with mine operators and employee representatives; write reports substantiating findings; maintain specialized equipment used in conducting inspections.
Issue notices of violation requiring abatement within a specified time period and if imminent danger is present, issue an order prohibiting persons from entering an area, or prohibiting the use of equipment and machinery until the imminent danger has been corrected.
Develop and provide federally required formal training to mine operators and workers in the recognition, avoidance, and prevention of accidents or unsafe/unhealthful working conditions in mines which include new miner, refresher, first aid, mine rescue for surface and underground responders, and instruct-the-instructor.
Investigate mine accidents pursuant to statute and regulation; inspect disaster potential such as mine fires, explosions, inundations by water or gas, entrapments, falls of ground, and accidents involving machinery and haulage equipment; physically inspect site and equipment involved, interview witnesses, determine cause and contributing factors to extent possible, prepare a report of findings, and recommend procedures to prevent recurrence; issue notices of violation and closure orders as appropriate; testify at federal penalty hearings and civil court proceedings regarding conditions at mine sites and accidents.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Working knowledge of:metal and non-metal surface and underground mining processes, equipment, machinery, and the associated workplace safety issues; State health and safety standards and regulations.
Ability to:consult with mine operators, workers and representatives to promote optimally safe mining practices; physically conduct mine inspections which involve extended periods of walking over uneven, steep, or sloping terrain, and climbing ladders, stairways, and escape ways; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the regulated industry; communicate effectively orally and in writing; make oral presentations; write accurate, logical, and grammatically correct technical reports; work underground in confined spaces and wet, dusty, and poorly illuminated environments.
