In recognition of his significant contribution to mining safety, James Dean, director of mining and industrial extension at West Virginia University, received the “Because of You” Safety Professional Award on Oct. 3.
The award was presented at the 2013 Spirit of the Coalfields Miners’ Celebration at Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley, W.Va.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award given the caliber and character of the mining safety professionals that are working in the industry in this state,” Dean said. “I pledge to uphold the ideals recognized by the award and am humbled to be included in the group of recipients that were honored at the Miners’ Celebration.”
Dean has extensive experience working on mine safety-related issues. Following the Sago and Aracoma disasters in West Virginia, he served as acting director of the state’s Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training at the request of then-Gov. Joe Manchin. During his tenure, he worked with all facets of the industry to develop consensus standards on requirements for self-contained self-rescuers, refuge chambers and mine communication, and tracking systems. The committee’s work provided the template for new federal regulations implemented through the MINER Act of 2006.
He continues to serve by gubernatorial appointment on the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force, which is charged with looking at new technology for improving mine safety and mine emergency operations in the state and nation.
During his time at WVU, Dean has worked collaboratively to develop a mobile SCSR training gallery for use at mine sites, in addition to a simulated underground mine for emergency response training for individual miners, mine emergency responders and other mine training. Most recently he was appointed to serve on a National Research Council committee to study how to equip miners to escape during a disaster, even before help can arrive.
“Throughout his career, Jim Dean has been a strong supporter for coal, coal mining industries and most of all coal miners,” said Gene Cilento, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. “This award is testament to his hard work, dedication and service to our state and University.”
The awards were presented by the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences at Marshall University; the National Coal Heritage Area; the United Mine Workers of America; the West Virginia Coal Association; Strategic Solutions LLC; and the West Virginia Division of Energy, Office of Coalfield Community Development.
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mcd/10/04/13
CONTACT: Mary C. Dillon, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
304.293.4086, Mary.Dillon@mail.wvu.edu
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