James Vanover

Safety

• Assessed the value of safety programs to apply modifications and improvements and achieve targeted goals.
• Updated and expanded new-employee health and safety orientation and converted all training into Spanish for non-English speaking employees.
• Researched Safety Management Systems and implemented an SMS to schedule, record, and track training; develop, schedule, perform, submit inspections and audits; track and record observed hazards, near misses, and injuries; track leading and lagging indicators, TRIR and DART rates, and OSHA 300 Logs. Serve as the system administrator.
• Conduct safety training and education for employees to increase awareness of safety hazards and empower employees to work safely.
• Schedule and perform Risk Assessments on processes and equipment.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents and injuries.
• Collaborate with all departments to continuously improve safety in all aspects of the organization.
• Investigate incidents to determine root causes and develop corrective actions to address underlying issues. Perform audits on implemented corrective actions.
• Inspect facilities for adherence to fire, hazard, and safety guidelines. Schedule annual fire extinguisher training with the service provider. Submit required reports and inspections to the insurance provider.
• Communicate safety performance and progress to management and employees to provide up-to-date information.
• Implemented a Reasonable Suspicion of Substance Policy and provided training for supervisors and managers. Work directly with the substance testing company.
• Select and purchase all PPE and safety equipment.

Environmental

• Perform environmental site inspections and address any non-compliant issues and potential problems.
• Implemented environmental Best Management Practices to prevent stormwater non-compliance, foster better stewardship, and improve organizational culture.
• Collect monthly stormwater outfall samples, and submit them to an outside laboratory. Submit monthly analysis reports to the State EPA. Ensure the KPDES permit is up to date.
• Monitor and record sewer water outfall point analysis and keep permit current.
• Selected an Environmental Consultant to assist in Air Permit modifications regarding production expansion and additional emission points and ensure any required modifications are submitted promptly before construction starts.
• Collect process data, and required inspections and submit Semi-Annual and Annual Air Permit Reports to the state agency per State of Origin Permit requirements.
• Inspect, track hazardous waste and schedule shipments. Submit any required reports to the State Division of Waste and keep the permit up to date.
• Investigated waste generation points. Developed and implemented a waste management program to minimize waste, properly collect material for reuse, and properly collect and dispose of non-reusable non-hazardous waste.

Health

• Researched, selected, and purchased AEDs for the company. Set up employee training with a certified instructor. Perform inspections on the units.
• Schedule first-aid, CPR training, and annual hearing tests with outside contractors.
• Collected dust samples and submitted them to an accredited lab for combustibility test. Once test results were confirmed, engineering and administrative measures were adapted, procedures were updated, and employees were retrained to minimize exposure.
• Work alongside the General Manager and Department Managers regarding human resource issues; disciplinary actions and terminations.

Underground Coalminer

Performed the following tasks:

• Operated heavy production equipment in the mining of coal.
• Efficiently performed the tasks that I was assigned.
• Acheived 12 + consecutive years of perfect attendance.

Underground Mine Examiner

• Inspected belt conveyor systems and transfer points. Corrected potential hazards and violations.
• Performed, recorded, and submitted air velocity readings and gas levels. Corrected and reported air deficiencies and elevated gas levels.
• Inspected air courses for falls and indicators of potential dangers, due to water, top integrity, and coal rib stability.
• Inspected main areas of the mine to ensure safety and MSHA compliance.
• Performed inspections alongside State and Federal MSHA officers.
• Inspected heavy equipment charging station areas for adequate ventilation, electrical, and fire hazards.

Section Foreman

• Responsible for the safety and well-being of coal miners on a coal production unit.
• Responsible for the safe, production of coal to meet shift tonnage requirements.
• Promoted teamwork, and open communication to foster a safer, more cohesive efficient unit.
• Ensured new miners were trained properly in their tasks before allowing them to perform tasks alone.
• Ensured the mining unit followed MSHA regulations and practices.
• Planned the production cycle of both sides of the production unit and communicated the cycle and any needed changes to the personnel.
• Inspected, measured, and marked cutting faces in advance of mining machinery to ensure safe work areas.
• Performed evaluations of personnel and behavior-based audits and submitted reports. Corrected unsafe behaviors and administered any disciplinary action if needed.
• Stopped production and evacuated all miners to pre-determined safe zones or total mine evacuation in emergencies.
• Performed emergency drills quarterly or as changes in personnel, conditions, and procedures required.
• Communicated with Mine Managers on any issues and changes in the conditions of the area being mined.