Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Thomas Balch

San Antonio,United States

Summary

Dynamic Mine Safety and Health Specialist Supervisor with a proven track record at MSHA, excelling in health sampling and safety inspections. Expert in regulatory compliance and effective communication, achieving outstanding performance ratings while leading critical investigations and training initiatives. Committed to enhancing miner safety through innovative solutions and rigorous oversight.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Mine Safety and Health Specialist Supervisor

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
08.2019 - Current
  • Oversaw 10 MSHA field offices within the South Central District.
  • Coordinated health overexposure sampling, and ensured proper calibration of sampling equipment.
  • Conducted over 100 comprehensive health samples, including silica and noise sampling, and identified multiple overexposures.
  • Served as a key resource for mine operators regarding silica exposure mitigation and dust control.
  • Led on-site health and safety inspections, investigations, and accident response, including a coal bin explosion, and three fatality investigations.
  • Issued over 2,000 citations/orders, including 30+ 104(d), 40+ 104(g), and five emergency 107(a) withdrawal orders.
  • Delivered miner training seminars, and conducted 21 personal respirator fit tests.
  • Promoted safe practices through safety talks (e.g., HEPA vacuums, avoiding dry sweeping, and working upwind).
  • Reviewed underground ventilation plans, and encouraged the adoption of clothes-cleaning systems.
  • Identified health hazards and defects in dust and noise control (e.g., crushers, drillers, and mobile equipment).
  • Maintained a 100% completion rate for the assigned area; voluntarily supported the Carlsbad and Dallas offices.
  • Received consecutive 'Outstanding' performance ratings (10/01/2021 – 12/31/2024).
  • Experienced in mining methods, and health-related systems design, operation, and maintenance.
  • Oversaw the procurement and distribution of health equipment across the district.

Safety Representative and Heavy Equipment Operator

Martin Marietta Rio Medina
05.2018 - 08.2019
  • Executed preventative maintenance and servicing of mobile equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Complied with all Mine Safety and Health Administration regulations to maintain workplace safety.
  • Collaborated with management to develop and implement effective safety initiatives.
  • Communicated safety protocols and best practices to employees regarding MSHA procedures.

Health Services Management

United States Air Force
01.2010 - 01.2018
  • Drafted and interpreted policies for USAF Unit Fitness Program, establishing precedents and resolving procedural issues.
  • Advised Commander and senior leadership on coordination challenges within USAF Unit Fitness Program.
  • Analyzed statistical reports and developed solutions for programmatic issues affecting Military Commanders.
  • Developed metrics for outpatient records management, ensuring robust information governance and accountability.
  • Ensured HIPAA compliance by governing records management tools and implementing best practices.
  • Modernized health records through transition from paper to electronic formats.
  • Created and coordinated records management training sessions for Command level staff.
  • Supervised records technicians in lifecycle management and conducted quality control reviews.

Education

National Mine Health and Safety Academy -

The National Mine Health And Safety Academy
Beaver, WV

Associates of Applied Science -

Community College of the Air Force
Montgomery, AL

Commercial Drivers License -

Sage Driving School
San Antonio, TX

Airmen Leadership School -

Joint Base San Antonio
Lackland AFB

Kent State University -

Police Academy
Trumble, OH

Skills

  • Health sampling
  • Noise exposure analysis
  • Policy drafting
  • Safety inspections
  • Equipment calibration
  • Risk assessment
  • Incident investigation
  • Effective communication
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Safety training

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Mine Safety and Health Specialist Supervisor

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
08.2019 - Current

Safety Representative and Heavy Equipment Operator

Martin Marietta Rio Medina
05.2018 - 08.2019

Health Services Management

United States Air Force
01.2010 - 01.2018

National Mine Health and Safety Academy -

The National Mine Health And Safety Academy

Associates of Applied Science -

Community College of the Air Force

Commercial Drivers License -

Sage Driving School

Airmen Leadership School -

Joint Base San Antonio

Kent State University -

Police Academy

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