Daniel Lyons
Mine Safety and Health Administration, Dept. of Labor
Huntington,UT
46
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Dynamic Special Investigator with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, skilled in evidence collection and case analysis. Proven track record in optimizing resource allocation and expediting case closures, enhancing operational efficiency. Adept at conducting thorough investigations and interviews, ensuring legal compliance while fostering a culture of safety and reliability.
Work History
Special Investigator
15 Years 2 Months- Conducted site inspections, evidence collection, and witness interviews to support enforcement actions.
- Analyzed accident reports, operational records, and compliance documents to identify regulatory violations.
- Coordinated with inspectors, attorneys, and management to strengthen case development and case resolution.
- Investigated miner complaints, discrimination allegations, and retaliation cases under Mine Act requirements.
- Prepared detailed investigative reports, findings summaries, and referral packages for enforcement review.
- Applied Mine Safety and Health Administration procedures to evaluate hazard conditions and statutory compliance.
- Led complex investigations involving multiple parties, conflicting statements, and sensitive labor relations issues.
- Advised staff on investigative techniques, documentation standards, and consistent application of enforcement policy.
- Optimized resource allocation in high-priority cases, ensuring timely delivery of critical information to stakeholders.
- Developed comprehensive case strategies through careful analysis of available information and resources.
- Expedited case closures by effectively prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Cultivated a strong professional network that facilitated access to valuable resources during complex investigations.
- Enhanced case resolution efficiency by conducting thorough investigations and analyzing evidence.
- Supported legal proceedings by providing accurate and detailed reports on investigation findings.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Prior to working as the Special Investigator for the Lakewood District, I was a General Mine Inspector.
- Duties included efficiently and effectively inspecting mine sites. Examining for respirable dust compliance, noise compliance, while maintaining the required certifications. Reviewing mine operators' Training Plans and inspecting for compliance, Utilizing the Code of Federal Regulations, Mine Act, and the Inspection Handbook during the inspections.
- I also served as an Accident Investigator for the District. I have investigated several fatalities and serious accidents.
Section Supervisor
5 Years- Supervised section operations, aligning daily work with safety, quality, and production standards.
- Coordinated staff schedules, assignments, and coverage to maintain consistent workflow.
- Monitored equipment status and escalated maintenance needs to reduce operational disruption.
- Trained team members on procedures, safety practices, and site-specific expectations.
- Reviewed work progress and corrected issues to ensure accurate completion of tasks.
- Documented incidents, inspections, and shift activities for clear operational reporting.
Night Shift Supervisor/Water Truck Operator
3 Years 9 Months- Supervised night shift operations, ensuring consistent workflow, safety compliance, and production continuity.
- Coordinated staffing assignments, balancing labor coverage with workload demands across departments.
- Monitored production standards, resolving quality issues and maintaining output consistency.
- Trained and coached shift associates on procedures, safety practices, and performance expectations.
- Worked with power plant employees ensuring contract obligation was being met.
Underground Coal Miner
21 Years 5 Months- Set roof bolts and installed support systems to maintain ground stability in active sections.
- Inspected roof, ribs, and ventilation conditions to identify hazards before work continued.
- Operated underground mining equipment to support safe coal extraction and continuous production flow.
- Monitored methane, dust, and air quality readings to uphold mine safety requirements.
- Trained newer miners on underground procedures, equipment handling, and emergency response practices.
- Followed production plans, safety protocols, and shift priorities to ensure consistent underground operations.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations, maintaining accurate records of ventilation plans and methane testing results.
- Conducted regular maintenance on personal protective equipment, ensuring optimal functionality and reliability in hazardous conditions.
- Mitigated potential hazards with preemptive identification and rectification of unsafe conditions within the mine environment.
- Demonstrated adaptability by working in various roles within the mine, including face worker, haulage operator, and belt mechanic duties.
- Inspected work areas for hazards and successfully performed tens of thousands of methane gas checks.
- I also worked on the Mine Rescue Teams recovering the deceased miners and returning the Wilberg Mine to normal working conditions.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Evidence collection
Witness interviews
Courtroom testimony
Interview techniques
Interviewing witnesses
Legal compliance
Case analysis
Evidence processing
Report writing
Report preparation
Research skills
Intelligence gathering
Due diligence
Data review
Process optimization
Crisis management
Deadline-driven
Problem-solving
Time management
Detail-oriented
Multitasking
Organizational skills
Reliability
Critical thinking
Ethical and honest
Interview analysis
Organizational skills
Certification
Respirable dust collection.
Noise sampling.
Maintenance and calibration of collection equipment.
Timeline
Special Investigator
Mine Safety and Health Administration, Dept. of Labor
08.2010 - 10.2025Read More
Section Supervisor
Utah Energy
08.2005 - 08.2010Read More
Night Shift Supervisor/Water Truck Operator
Ashworth
11.2001 - 08.2005Read More
Underground Coal Miner
Energy West
01.1980 - 06.2001Read More
Emery High School
High School Diploma
Read More
Rated Highly Effective on all yearly evaluations while with MSHA.
My inspections were always conducted ontime with a detailed report. I would help other inspectors with their inspections and could be counted on to promptly investigate any hazard complaints assigned.